Car overheating

Asked by Beverly Nov 05, 2017 at 09:59 AM about the 1996 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

We have a 1996 Subaru Outback and it is
overheating. We have replaced the thermostat,
water pump and other stuff. The wagon begins to
overheat after only minutes of driving but if we put
the car in nutural and rev engine the temp gauge
goes from hot to cold in seconds. What is the
issue? And how do we fix it?

4 Answers

158,955

I would have it tested for bad head gaskets. Find a mechanic that has experience with Subarus or take it to the dealership.

158,955

Combustion gases may be getting into the cooling system causing the symptoms. There may be no other symptoms such as white smoke or water in the oil. I would have it tested for combustion gases in the coolant.

A Subaru with bad head gaskets? Subaru should have sold their cars with a case of those things in the boot.

Your Answer:

Legacy

Looking for a Used Legacy in your area?

CarGurus has 156 nationwide Legacy listings starting at $4,999.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    2,790
  • #2
    Anthony_60
    Reputation
    1,800
  • #3
    Tom Hawkins
    Reputation
    1,510
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Impreza
21 Great Deals out of 451 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Camry
53 Great Deals out of 956 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Accord
37 Great Deals out of 906 listings starting at $2,799
Used Honda Civic
151 Great Deals out of 3,400 listings starting at $2,495
Used Honda CR-V
84 Great Deals out of 3,824 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota Corolla
119 Great Deals out of 1,945 listings starting at $1,995
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 669 listings starting at $2,000

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.