# Help with auto trans in 97 Subaru outback **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [January 16, 2009, 10:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447 "2009-01-16T10:12:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cruciform](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cruciform](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cruciform)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 10:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447/1 "2009-01-16T10:12:38Z")
I’m having some problems with my 97 Outback, and was wondering if anyone out there can point me in the right direction- Symptoms- A) all of a sudden one day, the trans acted as though I had the accelerator to the floor all the time- i.e. hard 1-2 shift, very late 3-4 shifts, and became very sensitive to throttle input- the slightest touch on the gas and it would downshift. if I really baby the car, it will shift normally, but as soon as I push the accelerator more than 1/2 it goes into this mode, and doesn’t return to normal until the car cools down (usually overnight) I checked the TPS, and got normal readings, (voltage increasing as the throttle is opened.) I guess my questions are- A) what causes kickdown in the auto trans? B) How do I read the codes for the TCM? thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 10:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447/2 "2009-01-16T10:15:18Z")
this sounds like the car i drove last week. ib4 ieatpaint ---
**Author:** ![Motocrossx23](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/motocrossx23/32/5120_2.png) [@Motocrossx23](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Motocrossx23)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 10:31am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447/3 "2009-01-16T10:31:04Z")
^ LOL ---
**Author:** ![ieatpaint](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ieatpaint/32/7311_2.png) [@ieatpaint](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ieatpaint)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 10:45am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447/4 "2009-01-16T10:45:51Z")
Try unhooking the battery for 10 min and see if that fixes it. I read on nasioc that will cause the ecu to relearn the transmission shifting. ---
**Author:** ![87GN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/87gn/32/5193_2.png) [@87GN](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/87GN)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 10:56am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447/5 "2009-01-16T10:56:20Z")
I’m not sure how the Subaru transmissions work but there is usually either a vacuum modulator or a TV cable to get the load input to the transmission from the engine, this is unless it is electronically controlled and then I have no idea where you would start. If its electronically controlled and detects a problem it should throw a check engine light I think. If its a vacuum modulator it could be as simple as a leaking vacuum line causing the transmission to think its at full load or the vacuum modulator itself could be bad. Edit: I think that yours is probably electronically controlled. I found this article that shows how you can get the codes. It says the ATF light should be on if it detects a problem. [http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/4EAatPh2Win04.pdf](http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/4EAatPh2Win04.pdf) Ok so how to read the AT codes… TO EXTRACT CODES: 1. Warm up the engine. 2. Turn the ignition switch OFF. 3. Turn ignition switch ON. 4. Check if the indicator light comes on. . YES: Go to step 5 . NO: Repair faulty indicator circuit. 5. Drive vehicle at speeds greater than 20 km/h (12 MPH). 6. Stop vehicle, turn ignition switch OFF. 7. Turn ignition switch ON. 8. Move selector lever to 1 position 9. Turn ignition switch OFF. 10. 10 Turn ignition switch ON. 11. Move select lever to 2 position. 12. Move selector lever to 1 position 13. Move select lever to 2 position. 14. Move select lever to 3 position. 15. Move select lever to D position. 16. Ensure that indicator light blinks. Indicator light blinks at 4-Hz intervals (every 0.125 \<1/8\> second until ignition switch is turned OFF. . Faulty battery. Indicator light blinks at 2-Hz intervals (Blinks every 0.25 \<1/4\> seconds (until ignition switch is turned OFF). . Normal Trouble code is outputted. . Check problem corresponding with trouble code. Indicator light remains illuminated. . Check inhibitor switch, wiring, TCM, etc. ![http://www.porcupine73.com/pics/at/subaru-4eat-phase-2-codes.gif](http://www.porcupine73.com/pics/at/subaru-4eat-phase-2-codes.gif) ---
**Author:** ![cruciform](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cruciform](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cruciform)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 11:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447/6 "2009-01-16T11:10:32Z")
Wow… perfect. I’m going to go out and see if I get any codes…I’ll report back. thanks~! ---
**Author:** ![cruciform](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cruciform](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cruciform)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 3:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-with-auto-trans-in-97-subaru-outback/61447/7 "2009-01-16T15:11:27Z")
I tried numerous times to get the codes… nothing… I wonder if this method is only for later model OBD cars… I still looking if there is a different method for earlier cars. thanks again…