Starting on steep hills, especially when slippery

[Rex Kerr]

I'm a bit disapointed in the ability of my 2005 Outback 2.5i with MT
to start out on a steep hill. I notice that it seems especially
hesitant to start if the wheels are on a low traction surface. It
almost feels like the car is putting all of its energy into working
aginst itself, binding up. Has anybody else noticed this? When I go
kayaking I'm often on steep dirt roads. If I lose momentum and stop
on a steep incline I can't get the car started again. I can't really
explain what I feel, though it gives a sensation like something is
binding and the engine is pushing against itself. I've felt that a
few times when trying to accelerate from a stop on paved roads as
well, but not as bad, though maybe that's just because they're not as
steep. Is this normal? Maybe I'm just asking too much of the 4 cyl
engine, in which case I'd LOVE to have a low range option!! Any cheap
aftermarket ones?

Also... side note... the factory cross bars aren't good for holding
kayaks on bumpy roads... mine bent yesterday. :-(

 

[Rex Kerr]

I don't see how the CROSSBARS can cause leaks... do you mean the fore-
aft rails? Those seemed quite strong, and I hope that they are strong
enough once I add the aftermarket Thule cross bars!!

I'm starting to think that the newer Outbacks are more show than go...
to be truly capable of what they're advertised as they should have low
range gearing, stronger roof racks, and a bit more clearance under the
front bumper, or at least small skid plates there.

 

[strchild]

Don't suppose your hill-holder could have anything to do with the car
fighting itself when trying to start on steep inclines? Anybody know if the
hill-holder can be disengaged easily for test purposes?

~B

 

[Porgy Tirebiter]

I'm a bit disapointed in the ability of my 2005 Outback 2.5i with MT
to start out on a steep hill. I notice that it seems especially
hesitant to start if the wheels are on a low traction surface. It
almost feels like the car is putting all of its energy into working
aginst itself, binding up. Has anybody else noticed this? When I go
kayaking I'm often on steep dirt roads. If I lose momentum and stop
on a steep incline I can't get the car started again. I can't really
explain what I feel, though it gives a sensation like something is
binding and the engine is pushing against itself. I've felt that a
few times when trying to accelerate from a stop on paved roads as
well, but not as bad, though maybe that's just because they're not as
steep. Is this normal? Maybe I'm just asking too much of the 4 cyl
engine, in which case I'd LOVE to have a low range option!! Any cheap
aftermarket ones?

Also... side note... the factory cross bars aren't good for holding
kayaks on bumpy roads... mine bent yesterday. :-(

You will find the factory crossbars are not good for ANYTHING.
Due to the poor gasketing they DO however leak quite well. You
won't discover this until your headliner has rust spots coming thru it.

 

[Porgy Tirebiter]

I don't see how the CROSSBARS can cause leaks... do you mean the fore-
aft rails? Those seemed quite strong, and I hope that they are strong
enough once I add the aftermarket Thule cross bars!!

I'm starting to think that the newer Outbacks are more show than go...
to be truly capable of what they're advertised as they should have low
range gearing, stronger roof racks, and a bit more clearance under the
front bumper, or at least small skid plates there.

The rails leak where they attach to the roof panel.While they don't leak
like a
faucet, they do leak enough for the roof to rust out. Another FINE build
quality.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Don't suppose your hill-holder could have anything to do with the car
fighting itself when trying to start on steep inclines? Anybody know if the
hill-holder can be disengaged easily for test purposes?

~B

I was wondering about that - I thought only the Forester got the HH
nowadays?

Carl

 

[Rex Kerr]

That's right... the Outback (including mine) does not have a hill
holder.

Thanks for the guess though!