Subaru Problems

CARMAKERS like to move stock as the end of the year looms. It helps boost their annual sales and moves cars that are plated in the current year. They are harder to move once the new year starts for the very reason you mention. You could wait until early 2006 and get a 2006-plated car, or try to crunch the dealer even harder now on a 2005 car. The car with the later date will be a little easier to sell later, but if you buy it for less now you won't be out of pocket.

WE CONTACTED Subaru who, quite rightly, wouldn't comment on what the problem might or might not be without driving the car. They suggest you contact them directly on the customer assistance number and they will arrange to have your car assessed to see what the problem is. I can only urge you to follow their recommendation.

I'M NOT convinced Subaru would have failed to gas the airconditioning before delivery, but I could believe the system had a leak. The rumbling sounds as if the compressor has been damaged after the gas leaked. The refrigerant keeps the compressor lubricated so when the gas runs out, the compressor bearings can be damaged. I would demand the compressor be replaced if it is still noisy and have the dealer check the system for leaks. As for the noise being normal, your dealer is spinning you a line.

WE APPROACHED Subaru for its thoughts. The company said it is difficult to accurately diagnose the engine noise without hearing it or knowing the specific conditions when it occurs. It is possibly caused by pinging or by pre-detonation of the fuel in the combustion chamber and this can be the result of the quality and/or octane rating of the fuel. If the dealer cannot determine the actual cause, it can ask for help from Subaru Australia's technical support department (ph: 1800 226 643) so more specific information can be obtained to assist the diagnosis.

WE ASKED Subaru to explain why it doesn't recommend non-factory modifications, including exhaust systems. Suppliers often don't tell customers that modifications could adversely affect other parts over time. For example, modifiers may give extra horsepower and boost, but they alter the cam profile, exhaust gas temperature and air/fuel mixture. This can cause failure elsewhere, such as exhaust valves or melted pistons.

I WOULDN'T agree that all fuel-injected cars have the problem you describe, and I'm amazed one mechanic saw fit to decoke the engine after 79,000km. And the advice about fourth gear being too high at 50km/h is simply stunning. I suspect the fuel. Switch to another outlet, run PULP if you're not already, and consider cleaning the fuel injectors.

ACCORDING to Subaru there are no problems with pinging if you use good-quality 98 RON fuel in unmodified engines. A few primary turbos have been replaced because of seizure of the exhaust control valve that redirects exhaust gases/energy to the secondary turbo. Make sure you use good-quality fuel that is fresh. Mobil and BP are two that appear to have a decent shelf life.

WE ASKED Subaru's technical expert for help but he couldn't offer an opinion given the information you provided. His suggestion, which I strongly recommend you follow, is to contact Subaru in Sydney at the company's head office, which has promised to have your car test-driven and the problem resolved.

SUBARU technical expert Derek Ashby says that, for cars with automatic transmission, Subaru recommends towing with the transmission in D range. In this range, the TCU can best control the transmission oil temperature through control of the torque converter lock-up clutch to protect the transmission against overheating.