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  #1  
Old 03-11-2007, 12:15 AM
psych0s1s_r3b0r psych0s1s_r3b0r is offline
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Transmission Q&A from a SVX Newbie

Just purchased a 92 Subaru SVX w/152000 miles a week and a half ago... Already love the car and have read up much on here and elsewhere on the issues it potentially has, but that with such being addressed, the car will very comfortably last a long long time...

So here's what I have going on...

Initially, everything shifts and runs very smoothly (not worried about the engine right now, runs beautifully) - did all the time up until about 5 days ago... It still shifts and goes very smooth initially, for the first 10-15 miles at least - but then one or more of the following start happening...

1st -> 2nd - shifts hard
2nd -> 3rd - slips
3rd -> OD - rear end shudders

(think I mapped that out correctly...)
My best guess right now, being a newbie, and based on what I have read is that given it only does it after getting warmed up and I don't know what kind of fluid or really, just how good what is in there is, it isn't a failing transmission (yet), it is a fluid problem that will shortly lead to a failing transmission - mainly because it shifts perfectly for awhile and then after a while, especially much stop/start accelerating, one or more of the above symptoms kick in.

I purchased a transmission filter and some Mobil 1 Dextron V Synthetic fluid (based on what I read on here, seems this is the next best thing to Amsoil which is what I plan on using next, but don't have the time to wait for it as there is nowhere near me to purchase it) - I plan on changing the fluid later this morning (as it is 3AM here) - doing some other minor tune up/changes at the same time (Oil change -> Mobil1 filter / valvoline maxlife synth oil --- fuel filter --- air filter)

So, with all that said, my questions are as follows...

1> Thoughts on my transmission problems? Am I correct in assuming (or hoping?) that it is just a fluid problem - I'm sure I'll discover later today to some extent, but I still would like to hear from people far far more experienced than me...

2> I've read about adding a transmission oil cooler - recommendations and how to's? What are some good models, where do I order for how much and how do I install?

3> I've also read about a modification / add-on that works with the transmission line pressure - removes a resistor and matches the line pressure with the engine activity to have less slip on harder acceleration, but still allow smooth shifting and gear finding on deceleration... Thoughts / opinions?

4> What else can I do (affordably) for this car to last and endure? I don't have much in the line of cash, and I plan on taking a 4000-5000 mile trip in this car at the end of May... I only have a couple hundred $$$ left to be able to work on it - so I really hope no one comes back with a rebuild is necessary... if it is, then it is and so be it - but I really really hope not... Definitely looking for honest appraisals though... and from what I've read on here, there be some people who know what they are talking about floating around...

Looking for feedback and how-to's... Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 03-11-2007, 12:25 PM
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nextse7en nextse7en is offline
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Hi there, welcome to the network...


2-3 flare, is unfortunately, quite common.

There are a couple of things to look at.

At this cars age, your throttle position sensor is quite possible bad, if its spiking or sending other weird readings, it has been known to cause a 2-3 flare.

Do a search on TPS how to.

Does it flare when you really mash the gas pedal? If not, and only flares on light acceleration, it could very possibly a line pressure issue, try disconecting the resistor (inside the engine compartment, on the drivers side fender wall, behind the battery). This provides full line pressure all the time, this can firm up all shifts, but has an annoying tenancy to make the car feel like it is constantly "downshifing" on deceleration. If you do disconnect it, and it does help your 2-3 flare, that will give us more info to troubleshoot on.

Could very well also be a worn brake band, most svxi after 100k could use some adjusting in this department, do a search on "brake band" to see if its a job you feel comfortable doing.

Heat can exagerate all of these issues, you may not be feeling it at first, but metal expands as it heats up, that could be why you only feel it after the car is warm.
As for the rear diff, someone else can speak about this far better than I can, could be as simple as worn bushings.



Again, welcome, hope you like it here.


-Patrick
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Last edited by nextse7en; 03-11-2007 at 12:29 PM.
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  #3  
Old 03-11-2007, 03:29 PM
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ensteele ensteele is offline
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Welcome to the site. If you look at the top right corner of the screen (opposite of the SVX Logo), there is a list of links. One is How-To Documents. Go there and there are directions on how to do many things by catagories. Good luck.
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  #4  
Old 03-12-2007, 09:30 PM
psych0s1s_r3b0r psych0s1s_r3b0r is offline
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Arrow

Ok - My update for now...

Changed the fluid to Mobil 1 Dex V...
Didn't change the filter yet - noticed half the bolts are semi-stripped, so I want to buy new bolts for the pan before I go to remove it... Just searched and searched and found jack where I can order the bolts... Any suggestions on where to order the tranny pan bolts?

The car has improved quite a bit - initially much better and smoother - Symptoms still come around, but it takes longer and they don't seem as bad...

Btw - the 2-3 flare is mainly light acceleration - I haven't tried unplugging the resistor yet... and you mentioned something about the differential for the rear vibration shifting to 3rd or OD... maybe a fluid change there as well since it also only pops up once the tranny gets warmed up / hot?

So here's what I've ordered and what I plan - thoughts and opinions and suggestions?

I ordered: B&M Transmission cooler, an external transmission filter kit, the Smallcar shift kit for transmission line pressure, Amsoil ATF Universal Synth tranny fluid, Amsoil SAE 80-90 gear oil... I still need the transmission pan bolts (HELP!) so I can safely change the internal filter...

I plan on: Installing the cooler, the external filter, the shift kit, changing the internal filter and going ahead with yet another fluid change (yeah, I know I just wasted some Mobil 1 Dex V, but I want to get that internal filter changed), and changing the front and rear differential fluids.

Car runs, shifts and performs beautifully for the first 15-25 miles... then the symptoms come, just not as bad as before...

Expert advice, thoughts, etc? - btw - thanks for the welcome! (and the registration cut the N off the end of my name on here - lol - should be r3b0rn - no worries though)
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  #5  
Old 03-12-2007, 09:34 PM
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I can get you the oil pan bolts. I think I have some at my shop. I'll check tomorrow for you.
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