‘04 Subaru Forester stalled when I came to a full stop?

15

Asked by 04SubaruForesterXS Dec 29, 2019 at 01:03 PM about the 2004 Subaru Forester XS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was going down a ramp coming off a
highway yesterday; and when I came to a full
stop - my car shuddered and the engine shut
off. When that happened, several lights came
on. I’m not sure which ones they are, but I
know that “BRAKE” , “CHECK ENGINE” , and
an oil temp light came on. I let off the brake
pedal to see if the car would idle forward and
there was no movement at all. The only things
that were working in the car were the air
conditioning and stereo system. I restarted
the engine (put it in Park, turned off the
engine, then turn it back on) and it worked just
fine!!! I was wondering what this could’ve
been the cause of? I’m very scared of it
stalling on the highway eventually and then
getting into a bad car accident.

P.S: some things to know beforehand
I do (RARELY) manually shift it 1 -> 2 -> 3 ->
then into Drive.
I do sometimes floor it if I need to pass
someone
There is a transmission fluid leak - though last
time I checked the fluid, it was full.
The engine will stall when accelerating
sometimes, rarely. Only the RPM’s will shoot
up.
I did mix 87 octane with 88 octane gasoline,
just because 88 is cheaper in Minnesota.

3 Answers

48,700

Hmmm....I'd start with draining the ATF and looking at it. If less than 3.5qts drained then you were too low. Refill w/ 3.5qts ATF and a bottle of seal conditioner in hopes deal expansion will cure the leak. If the ATF was really black repeat the drain/refill after a week, as you only get 40% of the ATF out with each drain. BUT, do NOT BACK-FLUSH the 4EAT at a convenient wrench's shop for $100 and in so risk clogging all the sensitive valves with crap. If you can't get normal trans operation after two ATF refreshes look elsewhere for the culprit. If not found you need a new-used transmission. Good luck.

1 people found this helpful.
15

Thank you TheSubaruGuruBoston. I refilled the transmission because it was BONE DRY. We’re going to see how it performs now.

48,700

Yikes! Ok. Being "bone dry" on the stick can mean anything from empty to still having about 4qts in the 4EAT. Regardless, you'll experience the symptoms because of insufficient pressure and probably cavitation too. I suspect you've drained whatever was in there (if anything), then filled as appropriate to the stick proper level (when warm, at idle). I'd then drive a bit to see if you've suffered internal damage (besides ego issues!). If all ok I'd look at the "new" fluid after a few drives. If dark brown or gray DRAIN IT AGAIN, and refill with 4qts fresh ATF and a bottle of seal conditioner (brand doesn't matter). See if leak stops within a week or two, noting any losses on the stick. If it's actually dripping out you need to have the trans pan cover resealed (Fujibond or similar). But don't bother with that yet, because if you've damaged the trans you'll be throwing it away and chasing a "new" used one. Do NOT to let anyone take your money to rebuild it...doesn't ever end well. Good luck. Ern TSG/B

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