Subaru Outback

• 1996 Subaru Outback
• 1997 Subaru Outback
• 1998 Subaru Outback
• 1999 Subaru Outback
• 2002 Subaru Outback
• 2005 Subaru Outback
• 2006 Subaru Outback
• 2007 Subaru Outback
• 2008 Subaru Outback
• 2009 Subaru Outback

1997 Subaru Outback

1997 Subaru Outback questions and answers

Buying or selling a 1997 Subaru Outback? Check out the Automobile Search Engine Website LemonFree Used Cars

Q: I need to replace the radiator on my 1997 subaru outback legacy?
Anyone know the specifications on what radiator will fit? It is a 2.2L 4 cylinder vehicle.

A: 1...buy one made 4 it...

Q: How do I fix the fuel gauge on a 1997 Subaru Outback?
The gauge works, but it drops from full to empty faster than it should. When it reads empty, it still has five gallons left in the 15.9 gallon tank. However, if I keep driving, about 50 miles past the empty mark, the low fuel warning light comes on, so it appears that the low fuel warning light is accurate. I have replaced the sending unit in the tank with no effect. How do I isolate and fix this problem?

A: Your replacement sending unit was defective. Return it and get another one. Actually, the sending unit consists of two components: the primary gas gauge and the electronic sending unit. There are actually two gas gauges in the gas tank. The primary gas gauge is connected to the electronic sending unit. If all that was replaced was the electronic sending unit, that normally isn't the problem. The problem is in the primary gas gauge. Both gauges are actually variable resistor rheostats (As the gas level goes down the resistance goes up because the gauge is contacting more turns of the coil). As they get older, the copper surface oxides from water in the gas tank increasing the resistance in the circuit (simulating more turns of the coil). You can actually remove the primary gas gauge/electronic sending unit from behind the back seat under the trunk cover and clean off the copper contacts with copper cleaner. This will correct the problem and cost you $3 for the copper cleaner. Caution: Do not have any flames within the area or you will blow yourself up when you remove the electronic sending unit/primary gas gauge.

Q: How much should a clutch replacement on a 1997 Subaru Outback cost?


A: If you go to a normal shop, the parts are rarely the issue. Clutch jobs run from $600-800 depending on the reputability of the shop and the area of the country you are in. Always check the warranty or lack thereof. They will always make up charges to get it up as close as they can to $1000, no matter if it is a subaru, SAAb, or chevy. There will be shop fees, energy fees, disposal fees, tax, and labor at $90/hr or better. If you really want the listed labor rate go to alldata.com, get a membership, and get the actual hours of labor for the job. If they charge more hours than in alldata, go to a different shop. These are standards based on the make of the vehicle. Make sure they itemize all charges before you take the car in. Also, BE SURE TO CHANGE THE THROW OUT BEARING. If it is integrated into the clutch slave cylinder, replace with a NEW ONE. Make sure you specify NEW hydraulic clutch fluid in the entire system. If it is a cable clutch, change the cable too. You will kick yourself later if you do not replace all the components at this time. Also, make sure the flywheel is resurfaced professionally, not just a brillo pad on a drill. Pilot bearing has to be replaced too. See, once you add up all this crap......

Q: I'm thinking of buying a used 1997 Subaru Outback Legacy with 130,000 is it worth it?
I was recently in a car accident where my car was tottalled. I'm looking for a good reliable car that will last me about 5 years. I do not know much about subarus, but i did get the chance to drive a Outback Legacy. It felt great, but i'm wondering if anyone has any Major problems with Subarus.

A: Subarus rock! They are durable, low maintenance vehicles with a very strong track record of dependability. HOWEVER...Be cautious of th 2.5 litre dual overhead cam engines. Between approx. late 96-99. Failure of the cylinder head gaskets were common in this particular engine. The single overhead cam 2.2 litre or the single overhead cam 2.5 litre would be the better choice. With 130K miles on this vehicle I would stress caution with a dual overhead cam 2.5. Also, the timing belt should have been replaced at least once as at this mileage it is due for a second. Check for oil leaks from front engine timing covers. Cam seals, crank seals and oil pump seal surfaces tend to acquire leaks over 100K miles. Easy fix though, can be done with the timing belt. My advise is to take the vehicle to a reputable import service facility and have a thorough inspection done. $100 now could save you thousands down the road. If it all checks out, go for it. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it. One last note... the all wheel drive system and the drivetrain from the engine back among the best operating and most dependable I have worked with.

Q: How much should it cost to replace a head gasket in a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback?
My mechanic is not sure of the problem, but I have been doing some research and want to know the cost incase this is the repair needed. There is an intermittent misfire in cylinder #1. I don't know the specific code, but it seems to be the same one every time I bring it in. He keeps saying he needs it to be misfiring at the very moment he checks it or he won't know what's wrong. I have taken it in over a dozen times and can't afford to go any more days without a car just for them not to fix it time and time again. If you have any thoughts or suggestions (other than giving me a replacement price), I would greatly appreciate it. I feel I bought a lemon and it is very frustrating! Oh well...thanks again! They reset the check engine light every time I go in. Maybe I need a new mechanic all together! Wires and plugs have been replaced as far as I know. I know for sure all the plugs were replaced though.

A: First of all, under what conditions are you facing the miss-firing? Running cold, hot, uphill, downhill, in reverse, at a certain speed or whilst cornering even? Allow me to explain please. The head gasket keeps the radiator heating/cooling fluid separate from the cylinder and the oil and all the rest of where it's not supposed to go. Plus, when the engine is put together, you have to have something to keep the two halves of the engine from rubbing together and wearing out! (Actually, there are about six pieces to the whole engine housing not counting the oil pan) Replacing the head gasket would not only involve that gasket itself, but also the valve cover gasket as well as the timing belt housing gaskets, the belts themselves(the belts are NOT to be re-used after removal!), etc., etc. and so on. Get a new mechanic who knows what he/she is doing please! Every time your current mechanic is re-setting the engine trouble light, he's masking the problem! The car's electronic control module(e.c.m.) needs to be able to gather ALL the information it can in order to better tell the mechanic what is and isn't wrong with the car. By the way, it sounds as if you are having a ignition module or alternator problem to me. Check the ignition modual(s) first though, as you don't have to take them out of the car to test them!

Q: how to remove tranny 1997 subaru outback sus?
i have a 1997 subaru legacy outback sus and the tranny is grinding so i wont to change it but i dont know what bults to start with a only see to on top and to in the bottom so any info will help

A: It sounds like your clutch isn't completely disengaging. If that is the problem then I recommend pulling the engine and not the transmission. The engine can be pulled in less time than it takes to remove the driveshaft and front axles and drop the trans. Also don't recommend trans removal without access to a lift and a tranny jack. You can pull the motor with a cherry picker or a engine hoist. Good luck and be careful.

Q: Hello, I have just been quoted $900 to replace the muffler system on my 1997 Subaru outback.?
This seems very high or is this realistic as the brackets and eveything needs to be replaced

A: go and have a few more quotes done. that is ridiculous!

Q: Hello, Im looking for a Website that has Door panel clips for my 1997 Subaru outback sport (impreza).?
*Brainerautobody.com Didn't have subaru door clips. *Still looking for a answer

A: DOOR HARDWARE - GO HERE http://www.brainerdautobody.com/PARTS/AUTO_PARTS.HTM

Q: 1997 subaru outback 2.5L engine rap noise?


A: Is this supposed to be a question? Rap noise usually comes out of speakers, not engines>

Q: I have a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback and my grill is destroyed. Which grill should I order and where?
The dealer quoted me 225 for order and install. I know the part costs less than 120 and it's an easy install so I want to order it and install it myself.

A: Stock from the dealer.

Q: i need to know about the cooling system in a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Sport Utility Sedan?
my car never over heats but the temperature guage goes over halfway. when i am coasting down hill or sitting still the guage goes higher when i am at normal driving it seems to be ok, when i am coasting and or sitting still and the temp guage is 3/4 hot the air comming out of the heater is cold, as soon as i take off and accelerate the air becomes warm, i am not for sure if it is the radiator, water pump, or a head gasket, it looses very little water during this action, maybe 6 or 8 ounces, i hate to pay 4 or 5 hundred dollars to get head gaskets put on and still have the problem, by the way there is no water in the oil or no oil in the water, which is most common in blown head gaskets, i appreciate any answers on this matter

A: your coolant level is a little low. add coolant and have your system pressure tested. this will help determine if there is a leak and where it is. this does not sound like a head gasket problem. if the head gasket where the cause you symptoms would be reversed.(your engine temp would rise when driving not coasting or sitting still)

Q: would anyone buy my 97 Subaru Outback with 230,000 miles?
I have a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback, that runs great. The blue book is like 4500 for a 97 with 230,000 mi. whats the deal with that? would the mileage scare you off if i asked 3500 for it?

A: Honest answer: more than likely. I've seen lots of stuff online at the goodwill auction with about half of that mileage. Maybe a few civics and such with 200+. Goodwill could be an option for you if you want the tax write off. How'd you get it to last so long anyhow? That's pretty awesome!

Q: 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback dash lights go out when I hit a bump in the road?
So, this just started happening in the last week or so...when I'm driving at night (with the headlights on, obviously), if I hit a bump in the road the console (dash) lights will go out and stay out. The only way to get them to come back on is to turn the headlights off QUICKLY and then turn them back on again, and voila - the dash lights are on again. Then, the next time I hit a bump, they go out again. It doesn't happen on every single bump but happens enough that it's worrying me. The overhead light on the ceiling doesn't go out, and the speedometer and radio still work, but the dash is completely black (including radio lights). The headlights do not flicker at all and seem to be working just fine...it's just the interior lights. What gives? Any ideas?

A: The headlight switch also controls the dash light. Chances are better than even you have a loose wire, bad connection or the switch for the dash is wearing out. After a while it won't work when you turn the headlights on and off. Get someone mechanically inclined to look at it. It should be a simple fix.

Q: Car Question: How to tell the difference between a cracked engine block and a blown head gasket?
1997 Subaru Outback Sport 2.2L engine Broke down / oveheated. I expect that it is either a cracked engine block or a blown head gasket and I'm trying to determin the easiest way to figure out which it may be. If it is a cracked block I will junk the car - if it's the head gasket then I'll look into having it replaced.

A: do a compression test on each pot to see if the head gasket as blown

Q: Suburu Outback Engine cost?
I am looking for an engine for my 1997 Subaru Outback (2.5L EJ25) because the head gasket is blown and i figure the cost of replacing the gasket in a boxer engine will be around to same for a new engine to be fitted (taking into account the age of the original motor as well). Does anyone know how much an engine like that will cost, where a good wreckers are located in NSW to could find one, and if any 2.5L EJ25 engine will fit in my Outback? Thanks in advance

A: Hi, having just completed the same exercise with my Outback because the timing belt seized, I am happy to let you know that engines (second-hand) range from about $1800 to $2000. It would have cost me over $5000 to get mine rebuilt (it bent a few valves). If you would like to call me on (02) 62315913 and I will give you a number of a few wreckers I found that had, or could get, engines. It still will cost around $1000 to get someone to put it in, but it's better than $5000.