Squeaky AT Shifter

[John C]

I have a 2006 Subaru Outback Wagon 2.5i Base Auto Trans.

I've been experiencing squeaking noises from the shifter trim. This occurs
when shifting from Park to Reverse and also when driving in rough roads or
hitting a bump. It gets to be annoying.

So far the dealer has replaced the shifter trim first and the bezel second.
For each repair I had to make 2 trips, once to identify problem and order
parts, another to make the repair. Both repairs have not helped the
squeaking noises much at all.

Is this an issue that the dealer can actually fix, or an annoyance that
Subaru owners just learn to live with? Please advise.

Thanks!

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I have a 2006 Subaru Outback Wagon 2.5i Base Auto Trans.

I've been experiencing squeaking noises from the shifter trim. This occurs
when shifting from Park to Reverse and also when driving in rough roads or
hitting a bump. It gets to be annoying.

So far the dealer has replaced the shifter trim first and the bezel second.
For each repair I had to make 2 trips, once to identify problem and order
parts, another to make the repair. Both repairs have not helped the
squeaking noises much at all.

Is this an issue that the dealer can actually fix, or an annoyance that
Subaru owners just learn to live with? Please advise.

Thanks!

If they can't find a part or clip or something that is actually 'broken'
or out of place - I suspect they will need to locate the general area
that's squeaking and either secure/isolate it somehow (double side foam
tape or ?) or perhaps use some silicon grease in the area.

I suspect there are standard procedures for dash and trim noises. I dunno.

carl

 

[Tony Burns (permanent dismisser of Andy, AJS and ]]

You're supposing this is a regular problem for Subaru owners. A quick
check of this and other groups tells me that no one else has reported
such a problem as you've described.

I don't doubt the problem exists in your car so back to the dealer for
this ONE reported occurrence.

 

[Michael Pardee]

I suspect there are standard procedures for dash and trim noises. I dunno.

carl

I've heard of using felt stuffed between squeaky dash/trim pieces to
suppress squeaks, but I've never actually seen it or done it. Sounds
promising, though. I suppose a piece is wrapped over the edge of a putty
knife and pushed in?

Mike

 

[Mr Hat II]

I have a 2006 Subaru Outback Wagon 2.5i Base Auto Trans.

I've been experiencing squeaking noises from the shifter trim. This occurs
when shifting from Park to Reverse and also when driving in rough roads or
hitting a bump. It gets to be annoying.

So far the dealer has replaced the shifter trim first and the bezel second.
For each repair I had to make 2 trips, once to identify problem and order
parts, another to make the repair. Both repairs have not helped the
squeaking noises much at all.

Is this an issue that the dealer can actually fix, or an annoyance that
Subaru owners just learn to live with? Please advise.

Thanks!

I've had the exact same problem with my '04 OB.
It's a case of plastic rubbing against plastic.
usually caused by food, dust, sand or other particles
entering the shifter housing thru the gaps.

Only way I've found to fix it is to take the whole shifter
plasic trim assy apart and scrub clean all the parts in a
washtub filled with soapy water and a brush. Dry with
towel, leave bake in the sun for 1/2 hour and re-assy
and the problem goes away. I have resigned that this
problem is an inherent design flaw. Only way around it
is to not eat on the car or allow anything to fall into the
oh-so-annoying-crooked-grooveway AT shifter. Subaru made
the plastic parts in the shifter trim and bezel waaaay to tight with
not enuf room for age/play/tolerance/foreign object incursion.

Note also that I've had the EXACT same problem with the
Power mirror button and seat heater switches that are mounted
in the center console gumming-up form foreign matter incursion.
Same problem, a bad location to put switches and cheap switch
parts used.

(I guess nobody eats in the car in Japan ?)

 

[Ratatooie]

Though, not in cars, I have had good luck using application of simple
chapstick on squeaky plastic parts. It stays slippery enough in most temp
ranges and is cheap and harmless.

If you are going to take it apart, might as well add some of that. (Your
crumbs will stick more, but might soften up to the point they don't make any
noise.)

 

[John C]

I guess this is not a common problem with Subarus based on the response.

I will go ahead and take the car to the dealer again, and hope they can fix
it right this time.

If anyone has any further advice or experiences, please advise. Thanks!