I was reading edmunds.com review of 2007 Outback and saw this:
"Unfortunately, the Outback's automatic transmissions still leave much to be
desired, as they sap power by upshifting too early. Automatic-equipped XT
Limited models fare a little better in this regard, as their SI-Drive system
offers a driver-selectable "Sport Sharp" mode that quickens throttle
response and delays upshifts."
(see http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/2007/review.html ).

This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
gets down to less than 3000. Does anybody know when/if Subaru will fix their
automatic transmissions? I'll be buying a new car in 2 years or so...would
like to get Subaru, but only if these issues are fixed by then.

Thanks,
Boris

"boris" <boris@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:46c92a58$0$27226$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...

> This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
> up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
> pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
> gets down to less than 3000.

I have a '00 Impreza with an even less powerful 2.2l engine,
also automatic tranny, that behaves similarly, but I keep
flooring it utill I complete climbing the hill, or making the
pass, or whatever. I don't let it rev past 5000 rpm much
and it keeps churning nicely until I take my foot off the
accelerator slightly, then it upshifts and goes down to
3000rpm, exactly like you describe.

I drive in a very mountainous area, and I think there is nothing
wrong, the way the tranny works. Don't be afraid to rev the engine
at 5000 rpm, for longer that a few seconds, keep accelerating
as if you wanted to get it to 5500 rpm (I suspect you have a habit
of flooring it then backing off a bit and the tranny upshifts and
your rpms fall to 3000). Don't let it do that! If it is beyond
your control then you maybe have a problem.

If you are afraid to keep going at 5000 rpm or slightly more
for a minute or so, then I don't know what to tell you. I've been
revving the engine at 5000 rpm for runs that lasted several
good minutes over various steep long inclines. Frequently the
result is that I am even very slightly accelerating as I go uphill!

This engine is sturdy, and revving it a bit does it no harm.
I use synthetic oil in engine (changed at 3k miles) and
synthetic in transmission (changed every 15k miles). the
tranny also has an additional external cooler.

The car has 50k miles on it, and has been driven like this
since new, I also frequently drive long distances at high
speeds in very hot wheather, where I do around 3400 rpms
for hours at a time (going Sacramento- L.A). The engine
seems to handle this type of duty very well, so far.
Though a run like this in 100 degree weather helped
kill my rear wheel bearings once, or so I believe cause
they failed at 25K miles soon after two similar trips.

M.J.









> Does anybody know when/if Subaru will fix their automatic transmissions?
> I'll be buying a new car in 2 years or so...would like to get Subaru, but
> only if these issues are fixed by then.
>
> Thanks,
> Boris
>

"M.J." <M.J.@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:WHayi.302$JD.142@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net.. .
>
> "boris" <boris@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:46c92a58$0$27226$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...
>
>> This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
>> up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
>> pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
>> gets down to less than 3000.
>
> I have a '00 Impreza with an even less powerful 2.2l engine,
> also automatic tranny, that behaves similarly, but I keep
> flooring it utill I complete climbing the hill, or making the
> pass, or whatever. I don't let it rev past 5000 rpm much
> and it keeps churning nicely until I take my foot off the
> accelerator slightly, then it upshifts and goes down to
> 3000rpm, exactly like you describe.
>
> I drive in a very mountainous area, and I think there is nothing
> wrong, the way the tranny works. Don't be afraid to rev the engine
> at 5000 rpm, for longer that a few seconds, keep accelerating
> as if you wanted to get it to 5500 rpm (I suspect you have a habit
> of flooring it then backing off a bit and the tranny upshifts and
> your rpms fall to 3000). Don't let it do that! If it is beyond
> your control then you maybe have a problem.
>
> If you are afraid to keep going at 5000 rpm or slightly more
> for a minute or so, then I don't know what to tell you. I've been
> revving the engine at 5000 rpm for runs that lasted several
> good minutes over various steep long inclines. Frequently the
> result is that I am even very slightly accelerating as I go uphill!
>
> This engine is sturdy, and revving it a bit does it no harm.
> I use synthetic oil in engine (changed at 3k miles) and
> synthetic in transmission (changed every 15k miles). the
> tranny also has an additional external cooler.
>
> The car has 50k miles on it, and has been driven like this
> since new, I also frequently drive long distances at high
> speeds in very hot wheather, where I do around 3400 rpms
> for hours at a time (going Sacramento- L.A). The engine
> seems to handle this type of duty very well, so far.
> Though a run like this in 100 degree weather helped
> kill my rear wheel bearings once, or so I believe cause
> they failed at 25K miles soon after two similar trips.

I forgot to add, I like to use premium gasoline or add
some Marvel Mystrey Oil into the gas, as extra
lubricant in the gasoline greatly helps smooth the
engine, especially at high revs, also helps cools
things a bit, I believe.

M.J.

On Aug 19, 10:44 pm, "boris" <bo...@nospam.com> wrote:
> I was reading edmunds.com review of 2007 Outback and saw this:
> "Unfortunately, the Outback's automatic transmissions still leave much to be
> desired, as they sap power by upshifting too early. Automatic-equipped XT
> Limited models fare a little better in this regard, as their SI-Drive system
> offers a driver-selectable "Sport Sharp" mode that quickens throttle
> response and delays upshifts."
> (seehttp://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/2007/review.html).
>
> This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
> up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
> pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
> gets down to less than 3000. Does anybody know when/if Subaru will fix their
> automatic transmissions? I'll be buying a new car in 2 years or so...would
> like to get Subaru, but only if these issues are fixed by then.

There are two known existing fixes for your woe:
1. a standard transmission that's been around since the
dawn of automotive industry and is used probably in over 90%
of the cars sold outside the US of A
2. si-drive

On Mon, 20 Aug 2007 06:40:54 GMT, "M.J." <M.J.@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>"boris" <boris@nospam.com> wrote in message
>news:46c92a58$0$27226$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net.. .
>
>> This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
>> up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
>> pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
>> gets down to less than 3000.
>
>I have a '00 Impreza with an even less powerful 2.2l engine,
>also automatic tranny, that behaves similarly, but I keep
>flooring it utill I complete climbing the hill, or making the
>pass, or whatever. I don't let it rev past 5000 rpm much
>and it keeps churning nicely until I take my foot off the
>accelerator slightly, then it upshifts and goes down to
>3000rpm, exactly like you describe.
>
>I drive in a very mountainous area, and I think there is nothing
>wrong, the way the tranny works. Don't be afraid to rev the engine
>at 5000 rpm, for longer that a few seconds, keep accelerating
>as if you wanted to get it to 5500 rpm (I suspect you have a habit
>of flooring it then backing off a bit and the tranny upshifts and
>your rpms fall to 3000). Don't let it do that! If it is beyond
>your control then you maybe have a problem.
>
>If you are afraid to keep going at 5000 rpm or slightly more
>for a minute or so, then I don't know what to tell you. I've been
>revving the engine at 5000 rpm for runs that lasted several
>good minutes over various steep long inclines. Frequently the
>result is that I am even very slightly accelerating as I go uphill!
>
>This engine is sturdy, and revving it a bit does it no harm.
>I use synthetic oil in engine (changed at 3k miles) and
>synthetic in transmission (changed every 15k miles). the
>tranny also has an additional external cooler.
>
>The car has 50k miles on it, and has been driven like this
>since new, I also frequently drive long distances at high
>speeds in very hot wheather, where I do around 3400 rpms
>for hours at a time (going Sacramento- L.A). The engine
>seems to handle this type of duty very well, so far.
>Though a run like this in 100 degree weather helped
>kill my rear wheel bearings once, or so I believe cause
>they failed at 25K miles soon after two similar trips.
>
>M.J.
>
>
>
>
I have been driving in 100+ degree weather forever. The effect on
wheel bearings is negligible. Also, you change your fluids too often.

"boris" <boris@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:46c92a58$0$27226$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...
> I was reading edmunds.com review of 2007 Outback and saw this:
> "Unfortunately, the Outback's automatic transmissions still leave much to
be
> desired, as they sap power by upshifting too early. Automatic-equipped XT
> Limited models fare a little better in this regard, as their SI-Drive
system
> offers a driver-selectable "Sport Sharp" mode that quickens throttle
> response and delays upshifts."
> (see http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/2007/review.html ).
>
> This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
> up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
> pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
> gets down to less than 3000. Does anybody know when/if Subaru will fix
their
> automatic transmissions? I'll be buying a new car in 2 years or so...would
> like to get Subaru, but only if these issues are fixed by then.
>
> Thanks,
> Boris

What I have heard is that the next standard auto for the 4 cylinder non
turbo subarus will be a CVT unit so you may not like the proposed solution.
I think that some CVTs are much cheaper to produce but if you look at Nissan
forums their CVT has had significant problems and CVTs are replaceable (at
$5-6,000) but not repairable. Personally I would like to see Subaru offer
the new 6 cylinder engine transmission unit in the 2008 Tribeca as an option
on the Outback and Forester but I don't think that will happen. Personally I
will not buy a Subaru with a CVT until they have been out at least 5 years
and have proven themselves reliable. But then I purchase and keep cars and
don't lease. A 3 year lease might be a safe bet since you would turn the car
over within the warrantee period.

Cheers
Howard

For what it's worth, Howard, Subaru used a form of CVT in some of their
Justys years ago, which proved to be anything but reliable! Let's hope they
gleaned valuable lessons from early 90's experience.

As it is, I rather like the way Subaru's automatic transmission operates.
If they want to add a few more gears maybe, I wouldn't complain about that,
but it's operation as is strikes me as just an automated version of a
standard transmission - changing gears when I expect it to, and not when I
don't. I'm not sure the sort of magic that folks expect from their
transmission, but the domestic cars I've driven feel far too unpredictable
to me. Besides, if I want a particular gear, I can always shift it
manually. Maybe it's me, but that doesn't seem so hard to do. My brother's
BMW on the other hand... that thing is the most obnoxious auto tranny I've
felt, shifting for fuel economy at the expense of power!

~Brian

"Howard Nelson" <htnelsonvip@pacbell.net> wrote in message
news:4Cgyi.484$YQ.27@nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com...
>
> "boris" <boris@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:46c92a58$0$27226$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...
>> I was reading edmunds.com review of 2007 Outback and saw this:
>> "Unfortunately, the Outback's automatic transmissions still leave much to
> be
>> desired, as they sap power by upshifting too early. Automatic-equipped XT
>> Limited models fare a little better in this regard, as their SI-Drive
> system
>> offers a driver-selectable "Sport Sharp" mode that quickens throttle
>> response and delays upshifts."
>> (see http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/2007/review.html ).
>>
>> This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
>> up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
>> pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
>> gets down to less than 3000. Does anybody know when/if Subaru will fix
> their
>> automatic transmissions? I'll be buying a new car in 2 years or
>> so...would
>> like to get Subaru, but only if these issues are fixed by then.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Boris
>
> What I have heard is that the next standard auto for the 4 cylinder non
> turbo subarus will be a CVT unit so you may not like the proposed
> solution.
> I think that some CVTs are much cheaper to produce but if you look at
> Nissan
> forums their CVT has had significant problems and CVTs are replaceable (at
> $5-6,000) but not repairable. Personally I would like to see Subaru offer
> the new 6 cylinder engine transmission unit in the 2008 Tribeca as an
> option
> on the Outback and Forester but I don't think that will happen. Personally
> I
> will not buy a Subaru with a CVT until they have been out at least 5 years
> and have proven themselves reliable. But then I purchase and keep cars and
> don't lease. A 3 year lease might be a safe bet since you would turn the
> car
> over within the warrantee period.
>
> Cheers
> Howard
>
>

> I forgot to add, I like to use premium gasoline or add
> some Marvel Mystrey Oil into the gas, as extra
> lubricant in the gasoline greatly helps smooth the
> engine, especially at high revs, also helps cools
> things a bit, I believe.
>
> M.J.
>
>
Marvel Mystery Oil!!! HAHAHAHAHA

They still sell that shit?

Beaners used to buy that crap to run in their hooptie's to try to cut down
on the smoke rolling out the tailpipe.
For modern-day automobiles "Marvel Mystery Oil" is useless garbage, right up
there with "STP"

strchild wrote:
> For what it's worth, Howard, Subaru used a form of CVT in some of their
> Justys years ago, which proved to be anything but reliable! Let's hope they
> gleaned valuable lessons from early 90's experience.
>
> As it is, I rather like the way Subaru's automatic transmission operates.
> If they want to add a few more gears maybe, I wouldn't complain about that,
> but it's operation as is strikes me as just an automated version of a
> standard transmission - changing gears when I expect it to, and not when I
> don't. I'm not sure the sort of magic that folks expect from their
> transmission, but the domestic cars I've driven feel far too unpredictable
> to me. Besides, if I want a particular gear, I can always shift it
> manually. Maybe it's me, but that doesn't seem so hard to do. My brother's
> BMW on the other hand... that thing is the most obnoxious auto tranny I've
> felt, shifting for fuel economy at the expense of power!
>
> ~Brian
>
> "Howard Nelson" <htnelsonvip@pacbell.net> wrote in message
> news:4Cgyi.484$YQ.27@nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com...
>
>>"boris" <boris@nospam.com> wrote in message
>>news:46c92a58$0$27226$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net. ..
>>
>>>I was reading edmunds.com review of 2007 Outback and saw this:
>>>"Unfortunately, the Outback's automatic transmissions still leave much to
>>
>>be
>>
>>>desired, as they sap power by upshifting too early. Automatic-equipped XT
>>>Limited models fare a little better in this regard, as their SI-Drive
>>
>>system
>>
>>>offers a driver-selectable "Sport Sharp" mode that quickens throttle
>>>response and delays upshifts."
>>>(see http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/2007/review.html ).
>>>
>>>This reminds me of how my 2001 Forester automatic behaves when driving
>>>up-hill at highway speeds: the car starts to lose speed...I floor the gas
>>>pedal, engine RPM goes to almost 5000...but then within a few seconds RPM
>>>gets down to less than 3000. Does anybody know when/if Subaru will fix
>>
>>their
>>
>>>automatic transmissions? I'll be buying a new car in 2 years or
>>>so...would
>>>like to get Subaru, but only if these issues are fixed by then.
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>>Boris
>>
>>What I have heard is that the next standard auto for the 4 cylinder non
>>turbo subarus will be a CVT unit so you may not like the proposed
>>solution.
>>I think that some CVTs are much cheaper to produce but if you look at
>>Nissan
>>forums their CVT has had significant problems and CVTs are replaceable (at
>>$5-6,000) but not repairable. Personally I would like to see Subaru offer
>>the new 6 cylinder engine transmission unit in the 2008 Tribeca as an
>>option
>>on the Outback and Forester but I don't think that will happen. Personally
>>I
>>will not buy a Subaru with a CVT until they have been out at least 5 years
>>and have proven themselves reliable. But then I purchase and keep cars and
>>don't lease. A 3 year lease might be a safe bet since you would turn the
>>car
>>over within the warrantee period.
>>
>>Cheers
>>Howard
>>
>>
>
>
>

IIRC FHI makes the CVT that is in the Murano!


Carl


--
to reply, change ( .not) to ( .net)

"Bob's Backfire Burrito" <BLAMPOW!@pullmyfinger.org> wrote in message
news:iwhyi.47001$Um6.15117@newssvr12.news.prodigy. net...
>
>
>> I forgot to add, I like to use premium gasoline or add
>> some Marvel Mystrey Oil into the gas, as extra
>> lubricant in the gasoline greatly helps smooth the
>> engine, especially at high revs, also helps cools
>> things a bit, I believe.
>>
>> M.J.
>>
>>
> Marvel Mystery Oil!!! HAHAHAHAHA
>
> They still sell that shit?
>
> Beaners used to buy that crap to run in their hooptie's to try to cut down
> on the smoke rolling out the tailpipe.
> For modern-day automobiles "Marvel Mystery Oil" is useless garbage, right
> up there with "STP"


I like beans, they're good for the digestive track.

As to Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas, as an upper cylinder
lubricant, I think it cannot harm, definitely helps keep things
like valves, exhaust valves, piston rings, free of carbon and
other deposits, just like beans can help rid your intestines
of remnants of old undigested meat and other junk that
over the years deposits there )))))))

M.J.