'99 auto trans problem

[TG]

'99 SUS 2.5 4X4
My problem is when I put the car in "D" it takes 4 seconds for it to kick
into gear, I'm so used to my other Subarus I step on the gas after about 2
seconds so when it does shift I get a BANG. What might cause this? (Will
brake band adjustment cause this?) Another symptom is when I'm going down a
hill at about 45 MPH and step on the brake to slow down the car shifts down
WAY before either of my other Subs would. Thanks TG

 

[Edward Hayes]

I think you have the 4EAT automatic which does not have bands but uses
hydraulic plate clutches that have no adjustment. My guess (if the fluid is
good and at the correct level) that the problem may be in the Transmission
control module (TCM).

 

[Jim Stewart]

I think you have the 4EAT automatic which does not have bands but uses
hydraulic plate clutches that have no adjustment. My guess (if the fluid is
good and at the correct level) that the problem may be in the Transmission
control module (TCM).

This is just a wild-assed guess, but what about the throttle position
sensor? I've had similar symptoms with an old ford tarus and a new
sensor fixed it. Way cheaper than a transmission.

 

[TG]

I checked the fluid thinking it may be low (just bought the car) and it was
slightly overfull, I didn't remove any because I was hoping some one could
tell me if that would cause this problem??? Thanks. TG

 

[TG]

I will look into that but please explain how a TPS could cause the delay
going into Drive??? TG

 

[Greg]

Shouldn't cause the problem if we're only talking slightly overfull, say
less than a quart. Sounds like the previous owner may have been trying to
find the same problem. Does the fluid look clean and red or very brown or
even black? Does it smell burnt or like fresh fluid? Low pump pressure
could cause your symptoms.

 

[TG]

Looks and smells fine, could use a bit of garlic though. I just need to get
out the scan tool and then the gauges....I guess I really need to get a
manual and learn how to work on the 4EAT. TG

 

[Edward Hayes]

Go to www.freebmw.com They have a section on ATs. Subaru also has a manual
covering transmissions for about 60 dollars. eddie

 

[George]

I have a 99 legacy with 95k mike that would delay engaging forward for a
couple of seconds now and then. It always engaged reverse fine. One day it
delayed for several minutes but finally engaged. Had the transmission
flushed and all has been fine ever since. So try the normal transmission
fluid service.

 

[TG]

Thanks all. I'll post the outcome.
TG

 

[Tim]

I'd be very interested in knowing whether your tranny flush fix will
last. I've got a '99 Legacy, bought it used about 4K miles ago, and
am now having trouble with it slipping out of Drive. I just took it
in and had a mechanic look at it, and they could find nothing, even
though they've heard of other '99 and later Subaru trannies having
similar trouble. The only one they've been able to fix was a reverse
problem, and was fixed by retorqing the torque converter bolts. In my
case, nothing was loose, and the fluid level is fine, if a little
high.

 

[Tim]

I've got the same problem as George (pervious posting) where my '99
Legacy sometimes slips out of Drive when I come to a stop. Several
questions:
1) what do you think about the fluid flush - bandaid at best?
2) How do you tell which tranny you've got (VIN?)
3) TG, any results from your investigation?

I'd like to learn more about this thing before I have to either start
getting towed home, or fork over big bucks to have the tranny
rebuilt(which I'm not even sure will fix the problem for long!). Any
info would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[Edward Hayes]

Could it be as simple as a shift lever adjustment? eddie

 

[Tim]

No, I don't think so, since I've already had one transmission mechanic
look at it, but I guess it's possible. Tonight it happened again, and
this time, I was able to get it back into gear by shifting to park,
shutting off the ignition, restarting, and selecting Drive. Simply
shifting in/out of Park or 1st gear had no affect at all. It seems to
be happening when I come to a stop after having driven for a bit - in
other words, it's not related directly to moving the shift
lever...it's actually falling out of gear. Makes me wonder if it's
not related to something electrical.

 

[Edward Hayes]

I wonder if the engine or transmission mounts could be loose or defective.
Either can cause this type of problem. eddie

 

[Tim]

Could be, I suppose, but that would almost indicate some form of
mechanical linkage was getting tweaked when I come to a stop - is that
what you're thinking? Anyway, worth checking. I'll take a look.
FYI, I tried repeated hard stops to recreate the problem and so far
have been unable to.