Questions and Answers

Subaru Forester Slams Into Gear Q. I have a similar problem as Subaru Forester Lemon in that my car won't move when I put it in Drive. If I rev the engine, it might kick in to gear, but that is whiplash. Having Aamco rebuild my transmission did nothing but cost me thousands, and it doesn't work. Subaru denies there is a problem. Once the car is in gear, it runs fine.

My Check Engine Light is on all the time and saying Code (whatever) for the oxygen sensor of a possible leak somewhere. This may not be related. Any suggestions to fix the transmission problem?

• 2000 Subaru Forester
• 4 liter engine
• automatic transmission
• ABS, AWD
• Problem started at 110,000 miles.

A. If I knew what the code number was, I could determine more accurately if it is related or not. Unfortunately code "whatever" is not listed in my books.

If the A/T Oil Temp Indicator Light is not flashing, then the problem is not electrical. When the Transmission Control Module (TCM) detects a malfunction, it will cause the A/T Oil Temp Indicator Light to flash. By counting the flashes, long flashes, 1.2 sec on, indicates a "ten", and the short flashes, 0.2 sec on, signifies a "one", you can read the code numbers.

If the A/T Oil Temp Indicator Light does not come on with the key in the ON position, you may have a blown 35 fuse or a burnt out bulb in the instrument cluster. If the fuse is okay then you could very well have a bad TCM.

Lacking a DTC, the problem is most likely internal. Possibly a sticking control valve in the valve body, bad low and reverse clutch or a bad dropping resistor.

If the condition can be readily duplicated, then you need to do so with a Dealership technician in the vehicle.