AT in my 95 Legacy weirdness...

[Rob Aries]

Yesterday (which was after a VERY COLD night here in the NYC area) my 95
Legacy FWD did something weird--it refused to shift into 4th for about
the first 15-20 minutes of driving (the engine itself had warmed up way
before then obviously). I haven't checked fluid levels yet but was
wondering if this particular symptom was a known indicator of something
specific--and hopefully not too expensive! TIA

 

[Alpha Male]

The Subaru AT will not shift into 4th until the transmission has reached a
satisfactory temperature. Even in VERY cold conditions here in Canada, mine
has almost always shifted into 4th with less than 1-2 minutes of driving,
but it's possible that different transmission's sense the temperature
differently.

I don't think I'd worry about it too much unless the duration increases and
you can't shift into 4th for long periords of time.

Chris

 

[Edward Hayes]

Subaru's are not supposed to shift into a higher gear until the transmission
fluid reaches a certain temperature. My 2000 Forester ATwill shift into 4th
after about 5minutes when the temp is ~+ 45 degrees F. eddie

 

[Rob Aries]

So this is normal? Thanks, I feel a lot better! I'll still be checking
the fluid levels.

 

[Rob Aries]

BTW my 95 replaced a 92 Legacy FWD AT and I never noticed this behavior
in the '92.