99 Outback transmission slippage?

[boondockin]

Last September, I purchased a 1999 30th anniversary edition Subaru
Outback with 112,000 miles on it. Around 2,000 miles after purchase, I
started to experience a sporadic issue with the transmission. When the
transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear it takes a long time (5-10
seconds) and feels as though it is slipping as the RPMs would wind
high. I changed the fluid and filter grasping at an economic solution.
This was no help. Now at 127,000miles, the condition is repeatable when
the transmission is cold. If I let the car idle for several minutes
before operation the problem seems to lessen. Other symptoms that I
have noticed are that if you accelerate hard when it is slipping the
RPMs will wind higher and slam you back when the shift is finally
completed. If you let off of the accelerator when the transmission is
slipping, the shift time lessens and is smoother.

I hope my explanation is clear enough. If not, please ask for specific
clarification. Any thoughts or help on this one?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Last September, I purchased a 1999 30th anniversary edition Subaru
Outback with 112,000 miles on it. Around 2,000 miles after purchase, I
started to experience a sporadic issue with the transmission. When the
transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear it takes a long time (5-10
seconds) and feels as though it is slipping as the RPMs would wind
high. I changed the fluid and filter grasping at an economic solution.
This was no help. Now at 127,000miles, the condition is repeatable when
the transmission is cold. If I let the car idle for several minutes
before operation the problem seems to lessen. Other symptoms that I
have noticed are that if you accelerate hard when it is slipping the
RPMs will wind higher and slam you back when the shift is finally
completed. If you let off of the accelerator when the transmission is
slipping, the shift time lessens and is smoother.

I hope my explanation is clear enough. If not, please ask for specific
clarification. Any thoughts or help on this one?

Thanks,

Tom

Other than trying 2-3 succesive fluid changes to loosen up 'gunk' you
probably need expert help. Sounds like low hydraulic pressure/whatever.

you could try posting this at www.usmb.net and see if someone has had
the exact issue.

Carl

 

[boondockin]

Other than trying 2-3 succesive fluid changes to loosen up 'gunk' you
probably need expert help. Sounds like low hydraulic pressure/whatever.

you could try posting this at www.usmb.net and see if someone has had
the exact issue.

Carl

Thank you. I will try USM also.

 

[JohnO]

Last September, I purchased a 1999 30th anniversary edition Subaru
Outback with 112,000 miles on it. Around 2,000 miles after purchase, I
started to experience a sporadic issue with the transmission. When the
transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear it takes a long time (5-10
seconds) and feels as though it is slipping as the RPMs would wind
high. I changed the fluid and filter grasping at an economic solution.
This was no help. Now at 127,000miles, the condition is repeatable when
the transmission is cold. If I let the car idle for several minutes
before operation the problem seems to lessen. Other symptoms that I
have noticed are that if you accelerate hard when it is slipping the
RPMs will wind higher and slam you back when the shift is finally
completed. If you let off of the accelerator when the transmission is
slipping, the shift time lessens and is smoother.

I hope my explanation is clear enough. If not, please ask for specific
clarification. Any thoughts or help on this one?

Thanks,

I have the same car with a few more miles. Same problem, too, but mine
would shift easily if I eased it at abbout 1500 rpm. Changing the
filter last week made a huge difference for me.

-John O

 

[boondockin]

I have the same car with a few more miles. Same problem, too, but mine
would shift easily if I eased it at abbout 1500 rpm. Changing the
filter last week made a huge difference for me.

-John O

Did you use any specific fluid or filter? I used whatever filter
Advanced Auto Parts offered and Valvoline ATF. When I call the
stealership, they of course indicated that I had to use Subaru fluid
and filter.

 

[JohnO]

Did you use any specific fluid or filter? I used whatever filter
Advanced Auto Parts offered and Valvoline ATF. When I call the
stealership, they of course indicated that I had to use Subaru fluid
and filter.

Sorry I didn't reply sooner. The filter was ordered online from a Sub
parts dealer, and the fluid was some synth blend I picked up at
Walmart. I've been driving a lot the last week, and the fix seems to
have 'stuck.'

-John

 

[Edward Hayes]

Subaru has a TSB or "letter" that states the a 2-3 shift rpm flair is
caused by the leakdown of a solenoid valve or??. Subaru states it will
cause no excessive transmission wear which is a bunch of bull IMO.
Mine has be doing a 2-300 rpm flair for the last 60,000 miles (now at
107,000). A filter change and fluid replacement every 25,000 miles did
not help at all. I just try to drive slow until the pressure comes up
in the tranny by driving ~1800 rpm in 2d gear until it shifts. I have
the Subaru response somewhere and if you want I will try to find for
you is you send me your email address. Ed

 

[JohnO]

Subaru has a TSB or "letter" that states the a 2-3 shift rpm flair is
caused by the leakdown of a solenoid valve or??. Subaru states it will
cause no excessive transmission wear which is a bunch of bull IMO.
Mine has be doing a 2-300 rpm flair for the last 60,000 miles (now at
107,000). A filter change and fluid replacement every 25,000 miles did
not help at all. I just try to drive slow until the pressure comes up
in the tranny by driving ~1800 rpm in 2d gear until it shifts. I have
the Subaru response somewhere and if you want I will try to find for
you is you send me your email address. Ed

Just to clarify, my symtoms were a thunk from 1-2 when cold. Under a
load it shifted perfectly, and if I cruised at 1500 rpm for a few
hundred feet it shifted perfectly, too. Once warm, no problem.

The other symptom happened when I made a rolling stop at an
intersection. The tranny acted like it didn't want to drop fully to 1
until I came to a *complete* stop. This was both warm and cold.

Both problems cleared up with the new filter. The 1-2 thunk is well
within the normal range now, and rolling stops are perfect.

I have that slip from 2-3 you mention, and like you I just take it easy
at that point and it seems OK.

 

[boondockin]

Email sent.

Thanks,

Tom