Hi everyone, i have a client that thinks they have a problem with the AWD system on a 2005 outback 2.5L. It has about 95K miles, and they swear to me that only the drivers side front wheel is "working", and that the AWD is not, nor the passenger side front wheel... They also think this car is "totally unsafe" in the rain because of this "issue", and forget about the snow. They have a steep driveway, and supposedly, it can not make the driveway "like my past subarus" They just picked up this low milage car about two years ago and within months it had a check engine light, even the drivers side power window switches gave out recently, that im replacing for them this week.
It does have a check engine light for a PO420 code, (on Subarus if the check engine light is on the cruise control will not work either) and they were quoted around $1900 for new catalytic converter's and exhaust system.. I think it just has a slight leak at or around the headers drawing in fresh air causing this check engine light, so i put a "anti-fouler" on the 2nd bank o2 sensor, to get it to pass NY inspection. If i clear the light, and drive it a little aggressively for 50-60 miles, i can get it to pass, but once they start driving, the light will still come back. The engine sounds like a typical subaru, of that era so i dont know if it has a exhaust leak or not... Also the head gaskets i believe are original, so that's another $2,000 repair. Is it possible that they are going out, and maybe caused the catalytic converter's to "fail"? I cant remember if it uses any coolant, but they never pop the hood. From what i remember, last time i changed the oil, i had to add coolant. I think.. Also it might use a little oil, because when i changed it, it was low on the stick, so i gave them a QT, and told them to check it somewhat frequently, or every 1500 miles.. I dont think they ever did, but the engine was never ran dry either as it seems to never go below at QT low.
Back to the AWD: The AWD and AT TEMP light do not blink, and goes off after the car is started, so the computer thinks everything is fine with the AWD im assuming. Could this Subaru need all the fluids changed in the differential/transmission/transfer case - if it even has one with like a LSD additive added for a little more grip? Where should i start investigating this? Aren't subarus mostly FWD, until it senses slip, then it sends power to the rear wheels? They dont want ANY slip because to them its "unsafe".
What would you do in this situation? Where would you start? I told them to sell it off, and buy a 2011 or never one since they still want to stick with Subaru.
The car is in great physical condition with no rust on the body, and it is loaded with leather and other "premium" options that subaru offered in 2005... Its a little soft in the suspension, but rides very nice, and is somewhat "peppy" still. Transmission feels great, and there are no clunks or anything like that... yet.
Suggestions please. thank you!.
PS: I know some of you are thinking, RUN AWAY and dont touch this car, but they are "very understanding" of these issues, and would never blame me when it blows up. I told them months ago "you are on borrowed time", they just basically want it to run and drive, and a new inspection sticker.... and AWD working if its even "broke".
Thank you all.
It does have a check engine light for a PO420 code, (on Subarus if the check engine light is on the cruise control will not work either) and they were quoted around $1900 for new catalytic converter's and exhaust system.. I think it just has a slight leak at or around the headers drawing in fresh air causing this check engine light, so i put a "anti-fouler" on the 2nd bank o2 sensor, to get it to pass NY inspection. If i clear the light, and drive it a little aggressively for 50-60 miles, i can get it to pass, but once they start driving, the light will still come back. The engine sounds like a typical subaru, of that era so i dont know if it has a exhaust leak or not... Also the head gaskets i believe are original, so that's another $2,000 repair. Is it possible that they are going out, and maybe caused the catalytic converter's to "fail"? I cant remember if it uses any coolant, but they never pop the hood. From what i remember, last time i changed the oil, i had to add coolant. I think.. Also it might use a little oil, because when i changed it, it was low on the stick, so i gave them a QT, and told them to check it somewhat frequently, or every 1500 miles.. I dont think they ever did, but the engine was never ran dry either as it seems to never go below at QT low.
Back to the AWD: The AWD and AT TEMP light do not blink, and goes off after the car is started, so the computer thinks everything is fine with the AWD im assuming. Could this Subaru need all the fluids changed in the differential/transmission/transfer case - if it even has one with like a LSD additive added for a little more grip? Where should i start investigating this? Aren't subarus mostly FWD, until it senses slip, then it sends power to the rear wheels? They dont want ANY slip because to them its "unsafe".
What would you do in this situation? Where would you start? I told them to sell it off, and buy a 2011 or never one since they still want to stick with Subaru.
The car is in great physical condition with no rust on the body, and it is loaded with leather and other "premium" options that subaru offered in 2005... Its a little soft in the suspension, but rides very nice, and is somewhat "peppy" still. Transmission feels great, and there are no clunks or anything like that... yet.
Suggestions please. thank you!.
PS: I know some of you are thinking, RUN AWAY and dont touch this car, but they are "very understanding" of these issues, and would never blame me when it blows up. I told them months ago "you are on borrowed time", they just basically want it to run and drive, and a new inspection sticker.... and AWD working if its even "broke".
Thank you all.