Comments on: Welcome to the All Wheel Drive Auto Blog! http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/ Mon, 21 May 2012 19:02:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-100067 Justin Stobb Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:36:02 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-100067 Roger, The low brake fluid level will correct the red brake light on the dash, but you most likely have a intermittent issue somewhere else as the low brake fluid has no effect on exterior light functions. The daytime lamps are just the front only you have to turn the head lamp or parking lamps on to have rear tail light function. Justin Roger,

The low brake fluid level will correct the red brake light on the dash, but you most likely have a intermittent issue somewhere else as the low brake fluid has no effect on exterior light functions.

The daytime lamps are just the front only you have to turn the head lamp or parking lamps on to have rear tail light function.

Justin

]]> By: Roger http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-100014 Roger Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:03:37 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-100014 I have a 2002 Outback 2.5 and my day head light ( the ones always on) function both with just front and front and rear weren't working. The low beam and high beams still operated fine. My dashboard brake light was constantly on. I found the cause was low brake fluid in the master cylinder. Interesting wiring circuitry. Adding brake fluid extinguished the brake light and allowed all head light functions to operate properly. I have a 2002 Outback 2.5 and my day head light ( the ones always on) function both with just front and front and rear weren’t working. The low beam and high beams still operated fine. My dashboard brake light was constantly on. I found the cause was low brake fluid in the master cylinder. Interesting wiring circuitry. Adding brake fluid extinguished the brake light and allowed all head light functions to operate properly.

]]> By: What’s the difference between 4X4 Auto and All Wheel Drive on a Ford Explorer? | 4-x-4.us http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-71622 What’s the difference between 4X4 Auto and All Wheel Drive on a Ford Explorer? | 4-x-4.us Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:29:14 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-71622 [...] are going through the roof again. Depending on the type of car you're driving, a full tank ... by WalteR Bove Question by Kevin: What's the difference between 4X4 Auto and All Wheel Drive on a F...strong>Question by Kevin: What's the difference between 4X4 Auto and All Wheel Drive on a Ford [...] [...] are going through the roof again. Depending on the type of car you're driving, a full tank … by WalteR Bove Question by Kevin: What's the difference between 4X4 Auto and All Wheel Drive on a F…strong>Question by Kevin: What's the difference between 4X4 Auto and All Wheel Drive on a Ford [...]

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-8417 Justin Stobb Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:55:40 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-8417 Hi Jim, Its possible there is a radiator issue, or a head gasket seal issue, its time to call the shop that did the repairs if they are a good shop they will stand behind there work. Justin Hi Jim,

Its possible there is a radiator issue, or a head gasket seal issue, its time to call the shop that did the repairs if they are a good shop they will stand behind there work.

Justin

]]> By: Jim Martin http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-8287 Jim Martin Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:59:10 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-8287 My wife just purchased a 2003 Outback limited with the 2.5 liter four and automatic. I contact the orginial owner and all service has been done includeing the timing belt at 100,000 miles. She has 111000 on her now. I recently had the head gaskets replaced at an independent dealer that has a good rep and now the car is overheading at highway speed. Under 60mph everything is fine, hit 60+ and the gauge starts to climb. Thermosate was replaced with the headgasket replacement. Now wondering why the overheating as it didn't do it before it went in for the headgaskets. Any suggestions?? My wife just purchased a 2003 Outback limited with the 2.5 liter four and automatic. I contact the orginial owner and all service has been done includeing the timing belt at 100,000 miles. She has 111000 on her now. I recently had the head gaskets replaced at an independent dealer that has a good rep and now the car is overheading at highway speed. Under 60mph everything is fine, hit 60+ and the gauge starts to climb. Thermosate was replaced with the headgasket replacement. Now wondering why the overheating as it didn’t do it before it went in for the headgaskets. Any suggestions??

]]> By: Angie Adamec http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-5418 Angie Adamec Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:57:26 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-5418 My 1999 Subaru outback has recently had the front right axle/cvr joint assembly replaced with a remanufactured axle assembly.(The car picked up a new noise with that, but otherwise seemed ok for a little while). Shortly thereafter the wheel bearing/spindle/hub was replaced. Shortly thereafter the front brake pads were redone. The car has long pulled to the right gently, but now it is a stronger pull, and vibration at higher speeds. Also, when I turn the wheel sharp the wheel seems to "stick" in the turn, not wanting to turn back. If I let go of the steering wheel, it will stay in a circular turn. I will take it in to have the wheels balanced again, in case that is causing the vibration at 65 mph and up. But what about that pull to the right, and the catch in the turn? Do you have suggestions as to what that might be? Thank you very much for your time. My 1999 Subaru outback has recently had the front right axle/cvr joint assembly replaced with a remanufactured axle assembly.(The car picked up a new noise with that, but otherwise seemed ok for a little while). Shortly thereafter the wheel bearing/spindle/hub was replaced. Shortly thereafter the front brake pads were redone. The car has long pulled to the right gently, but now it is a stronger pull, and vibration at higher speeds. Also, when I turn the wheel sharp the wheel seems to “stick” in the turn, not wanting to turn back. If I let go of the steering wheel, it will stay in a circular turn. I will take it in to have the wheels balanced again, in case that is causing the vibration at 65 mph and up. But what about that pull to the right, and the catch in the turn? Do you have suggestions as to what that might be? Thank you very much for your time.

]]> By: Cathy http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4920 Cathy Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:40:28 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4920 Dear Justin, Your article on "why is the power steering making noise?" was right on the money. I just had my timing belt changed and when I got my car back, the noise from the power steering was so loud. I took it back to the shop and they tried some conditioner and said to keep an eye on it. Later, I showed them your article and they were amazed and fixed it right away. Thanks for putting that info out. Cathy Dear Justin,

Your article on “why is the power steering making noise?” was right on the money. I just had my timing belt changed and when I got my car back, the noise from the power steering was so loud. I took it back to the shop and they tried some conditioner and said to keep an eye on it. Later, I showed them your article and they were amazed and fixed it right away. Thanks for putting that info out.
Cathy

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4161 Justin Stobb Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:06:58 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4161 Hello Kathy, There is no reason to replace the engine for a gasket leak, but yes I would consider using the gaskets we use here at the shop. So being a State of Washington Authorized Emissions Specialist I can tell you that when the switch is made, it doesn’t mean you have to make it pass to get tabs you should but it is not mandatory, our state has a waiver program in place. Not sure the state wide thing will happen next year, I know 2009 and newer vehicles are to be are exempt, shops will start performing the testing instead of a third party test station and I know the time frame for all is closer to 2012. Also what many do not understand is that you can request for tail pipe test to be done if a p0420 catalyst efficiency code is set and if it passes so do you without the Catalyst expense. Next has anyone actually tested the Catalyst? It may not be the cause of the code; there are lots of other possibilities including a head gasket leak. Justin Hello Kathy,

There is no reason to replace the engine for a gasket leak, but yes I would consider using the gaskets we use here at the shop.

So being a State of Washington Authorized Emissions Specialist I can tell you that when the switch is made, it doesn’t mean you have to make it pass to get tabs you should but it is not mandatory, our state has a waiver program in place. Not sure the state wide thing will happen next year, I know 2009 and newer vehicles are to be are exempt, shops will start performing the testing instead of a third party test station and I know the time frame for all is closer to 2012. Also what many do not understand is that you can request for tail pipe test to be done if a p0420 catalyst efficiency code is set and if it passes so do you without the Catalyst expense. Next has anyone actually tested the Catalyst? It may not be the cause of the code; there are lots of other possibilities including a head gasket leak.

Justin

]]> By: kathy http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4160 kathy Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:43:01 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4160 I've been told that my left side head gasket is leaking coolant at 137,000 miles. At 57,000 miles the dealership replaced the first set of heaad gaskets under warranty. I quit going to the local dealership shop after 110,000 mi. My independent mechanic when he found the head gasket problem gave me three options: fix the head gaskets for $2000, put in a new engine(his recommendation) for $5000, or get rid of the car. I live in the country so all-wheel drive is important to me. The dealer said he would fix the head gaskets for $1300. The salesman said he talked to Subaru and due to all the "problems" with my car they would give me $3000 off a new car. He wouldn't tell me what he would give me on the old car until I chose a new car however. Due to my economic situation I'm going to replace the head gaskets. The timing belt was done at 120,000 mi. My mechanic has no knowledge about gaskets outside of a Subaru one. (I'm not convinced about the success of any of those!). Should I really push to get the independent gasket? I have never had a overheating occurrence and I've done regular maintence with a service folder an inch thick (except I've only had maybe (2)coolant flushes). Also for the last year I have run with a check engine light on. The code has been a catalyst ineffieicincy problem (I've had it checked three times). Will fixing the head gasket change what I do about the check engine issue? This car will be hard to get rid of someday-someone will get in and see the check engine light and listen to the loud twaddle sound of my "slappy piston" and run away. The third mechanic told me to wait to fix the cat converter because it probably won't last and next year when Washington State requires statewide emission tests I'll have to have it fixed again to pass the test. Have you heard that? I’ve been told that my left side head gasket is leaking coolant at 137,000 miles. At 57,000 miles the dealership replaced the first set of heaad gaskets under warranty. I quit going to the local dealership shop after 110,000 mi. My independent mechanic when he found the head gasket problem gave me three options: fix the head gaskets for $2000, put in a new engine(his recommendation) for $5000, or get rid of the car. I live in the country so all-wheel drive is important to me. The dealer said he would fix the head gaskets for $1300. The salesman said he talked to Subaru and due to all the “problems” with my car they would give me $3000 off a new car. He wouldn’t tell me what he would give me on the old car until I chose a new car however. Due to my economic situation I’m going to replace the head gaskets. The timing belt was done at 120,000 mi. My mechanic has no knowledge about gaskets outside of a Subaru one. (I’m not convinced about the success of any of those!). Should I really push to get the independent gasket? I have never had a overheating occurrence and I’ve done regular maintence with a service folder an inch thick (except I’ve only had maybe (2)coolant flushes). Also for the last year I have run with a check engine light on. The code has been a catalyst ineffieicincy problem (I’ve had it checked three times). Will fixing the head gasket change what I do about the check engine issue? This car will be hard to get rid of someday-someone will get in and see the check engine light and listen to the loud twaddle sound of my “slappy piston” and run away. The third mechanic told me to wait to fix the cat converter because it probably won’t last and next year when Washington State requires statewide emission tests I’ll have to have it fixed again to pass the test. Have you heard that?

]]> By: Brenda Thompson http://allwheeldriveauto.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4085 Brenda Thompson Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:53:53 +0000 http://launchpad-yellow.com/welcome-to-the-all-wheel-drive-auto-blog/#comment-4085 If my Subaru Legacy All Wheel Drive has a damaged tire, and the others have low tread, do they need to be replaced simultaneously? Is it all right to just replace two? If my Subaru Legacy All Wheel Drive has a damaged tire, and the others have low tread, do they need to be replaced simultaneously? Is it all right to just replace two?

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