1998 Subaru Outback

1998 Subaru Outback questions and answers

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Q: having trouble removing center trim for 1998 subaru outback.. how do you do it?
I have a 1998 Subaru outback. I'm trying to replace the POS factory stereo, but I'm have problems removing the center trim. I removed the cup holder, but i cant get the bottom piece off. I think its the ashtray. anybody know how to do it?... thanks

A: When I removed the radio from my 96 legacy I had a tough time too. The interior of the 96 and your 98 are identical....I slid open the cup holder, unscrewed it and removed it. Then I took a butter knife and started popping off the bezel. the top half unclipped easy, but If found it was the ciggarett lighter that was making things hard. Since the car was tottaled :( I was not to worried about breaking anything so I pulled and pulled and eventually It just popped out...( and nothing broke) The only thing screwing the bezel into the dash is the cupholder. However, when I installed that radio into my new 01 legacy there are three screws holding in the ashtray holder. Two were very hard to get at. They were right up under the ashtray holder so I needed a really short screwdriver and a flash light to get at them. The Third was was in the dash right behind where the ashtry would be, but not hard to get at. I suspect that this could also be the case with your 98 lecacy. I had circut city install the radio in my 96. The ash tray holder seemed kind of loose and I wonder if it was suppost to be screwed in and the twerps at circut city didnt bother with it.. That may be why I was able to yank the thing out with only the lighter giving me trouble. So, look for any scews holding in the ashtray. If there are none get the top half of the bezal popped off, and try to pull off the bezal from the BOTTOM. As hard as you pull and as much as things creak i really wouldnt worry about breaking anything. It may be your bezal's first time but you don't have to be gentile. Unplug the lighter once you can get at it. :)

Q: How many quarts of oil does a 1998 subaru outback take during an oil change? It isn't listed in the manuel.


A: Your local lube center should be able to tell you the exact amount thru their check chart manual, but the amount should be listed in your manual under compasities. If not, you can figure this out for yourself. After you have drained the old oil, and changed the oil filter, pour in a few quarts of oil, check the dipstick, and add accordingly. When you reach the bottom of the hash mark on the dipstick, it should only take one quart to get it to the full mark. Start the vehicle to let the oil filter fill. Check the oil level again, and add accordingly until reaching the full mark, only adding about 1/2 quart at a time.

Q: Have you ever had overheating problems with your 1998 Subaru Outback Legacy 2.5?
I changed the thermostat, I flushed out the radiator, I changed the radiator cap, proper amount of antifreeze and water, and still has a problem. I have realized that it only overheats when it's low on water, so it's overfilling the reservoir and spilling out until it gets low and overheats. I tried sodium silicate and that didn't solve it. I even bought another thermostat incase the 1st one was defective, and I even broke apart a thermostat so there was no restriction, but still I have a problem. Seems to loose water even when it doesn't overheat, it just over heats when it looses too much. I bought new water pump and it's all metal, so I don't see how it can be a bad water pump, the water pump isn't leaking. I haven't put the new one in yet. But I don't know if that will solve the problem. What do you think, what could be wrong?

A: If you put the thermostat in wrong you can get an air bubble. This won't allow the water to flow to cool the engine and could lead to blown head gasket, cracked block problems. new motor ... EXPENSIVE!! Make sure you let the car warm up first before you fill with water whenever you change the thermostst.

Q: Should I buy a 1998 Subaru Outback, with 110,888 mi FOR $3,700 ?
I have decided to buy a wagon. Subaru Outback is my choice due to its apperance and good gas mileage but I'm not sure about its reliability after reading reviews from carsurvey.org. http://www.carsurvey.org/viewmorecomments_review_56499_1.html I found a 1998 Subaru Outback on eBay. The BUY IT NOW is $4,350. I made offer $3,300 but the seller sent me a counter offer for $3,700. Is this a good deal for 1998 Subaru Outback? I'm still not sure if I should take the offer??? I'm also not sure if it's a good car as the seller is willing to sell it at the low price. I don't know what I have to do to make sure that I will get a good car.How can I ask the seller to show me proof if the car really passed inspection and nothing wrong with the car? Thank you in advance for your answer. ^0^ http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Subaru-Legacy-Outback-Wgn-1998-Subaru-Legacy-Outback-Wagon-Auto-AWD-w-Roof-Rack_W0QQitemZ170144586496QQihZ007QQcategoryZ31869QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

A: If it's a solid car with no major mechanical problems, it sound like a fair price. I recently found a '97 on Ebay for $3700. in the Tampa area.

Q: turbo kit for 1998 subaru outback auto?
whats up guys?... i have a 1998 subaru outback with auto tranny... i was wondering if my tranny would be able to handle a turbo... also, i heard some rumors goin around sayin that the 1998 ej25's cant handle boost.. anyone know about that?... or if my car will get all screwed up with a turbo or not... t

A: My opinion is that turboing a N/A Suby will be more trouble than it's worth. I know there were some kits out for the 2.5RS (which I think is about the same engine), and those guys have had varying results. It will take a lot of time and a lot of money to do it the right way. Be prepared to spend at least as much money as the car's worth, most likely more ($4k-$6k is a pretty good guess, if everything works out). If you ever actually get it running, the engine will last half as long as it normally would, simply because it wasn't setup to be run with boost from the factory. I'm pretty sure all the kits out now don't change the stock compression, just run pretty low boost. That means the engine is dealing with a lot more pressure than it was engineered to handle. If you want a turbo Suby, I'd save up for a WRX (the '02 model is down in the low teens now in terms of price for a used one). In the meantime, enjoy the Outback. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Q: Is this a good deal? 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback, with 110,888 mi FOR $3,700.?
I found a 1998 Subaru Outback on eBay. The BUY IT NOW is $4,350. I made offer $3,300 but the seller sent me a counter offer for $3,700. Is this a good deal for 1998 Subaru Outback? I'm still not sure if I should take the offer??? I'm also not sure if it's a good car as the seller is willing to sell it at the low price. I don't know what I have to do to make sure that I will get a good car.How can I ask the seller to show me proof if the car really passed inspection and nothing wrong with the car? I don't want to spend a lot of money in repairs later on. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Subaru-Legacy-Outback-Wgn-1998-Subaru-Legacy-Outback-Wagon-Auto-AWD-w-Roof-Rack_W0QQitemZ170144586496QQihZ007QQcategoryZ31869QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Does anyone own a 1998 Subaru Outback wagon? Have you enjoyed owning on? Any regrets? Thank you for your opinions.

A: Maggie - Maggie - Maggie,,, no - no - no Please read this link on my website about Auctions http://www.usedcartips.org/AUCTIONS.html from there if you want to learn the process buying a car, study my site, its free advice with no strings attached

Q: 1998 subaru outback check engine light?
I have a 1998 subaru outback 2.5 automatic. About a year ago the check engine light came on and I was told it was the egr valve that needed to be replaced. I let the mechanic change it. 8 months ago the engine light came on and said it was the knock sensor that needed replacing. This time I went to a subaru dealer...and they replaced it. 6 months ago the check engine light came on and said the knock sensor was bad and that the egr valve needed replacing. I took it to another subaru dealer. Everytime I took it to a new dealer they said the same thing...I needed to spend more money. Now the check engine light is on again....knock sensor and egr valve needs replacing. I took it to the same dealer this time...and they said my parts have exceeded the warrenty. Now they say its going to cost 600 to fix. Has anyone had this check engine light problem. The check engine light did go off today when I started it...I drove it for about 100 miles...the check engine light then came back on. The knock sensor and Egr were replaced 3 months ago. This time it seems to be the same problem and the dealer who replaced them last time told me I need to replace them again. What is concerning me is I spend money at different dealers who replace different parts. I take it back again it seems to be the same problem. I want to know the solution because obviously the dealers keep replacing things and don't get the job done.

A: Your car's computer turns on the check engine light when it detects a fault. It is to your advantage to repair the fault(s) for both engine life, and fuel mileage. Both systems, the EGR, and the knock sensor, are fairly important systems. What I would do: Go to your mechanic (who has a code reader), get him/her to clear all the codes stored in the computer, and re-set the computer. This will put the light out and from the re-set any new codes that show up are legitimate repair items. Both the EGR, and knock sensor, should last more than a year, if in fact they were replaced about a year ago. It sounds to me like you should be looking for an independent Subaru mechanic, someone who knows both the cars and his stuff. I bought my Subaru 2 years ago, it came with a faulty knock sensor, I changed out the original 15 year old knock sensor (250,000 mile), and it has been no bother since, I don't have an EGR. If this stuff was done a short time ago there is something wrong (and it's not with your car).

Q: I have sludge residue in my coolant reservoir on my 1998 subaru outback... what is wrong?
hello again. I have a 1998 subaru outback and i have been having problems with it. I replaced my radiator hoses and thermostat because my engine was leaking coolant from them. I have discovered an oil sludge residue in my overflow reservoir... what is wrong with my car?... im thinkin its the headgasket... again... can i just throw in some blue devil headgasket seal to fix it? and then just flush out the oil in my car.. will that somewhat correct problems.. or is my engine done??... please help...

A: What do you mean "headgasket again"? Have you blown the headgasket recently? If so are you sure the old coolant got completely flushed from the car? Also if you had the gasket replaced did the mechanic have the head checked for cracks? There are many different explanations we could give you. The headgasket sealant is only a temp fix if it does work, but most of the time it plugs other stuff.

Q: Hi I have a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback, 1.5L that's been diagnosed with EGR valve malfunction. Where can I get?
to that, I think its hidden somewhere, I want to take it out and clean it, maybe it will be good again. The thing is expensive, 3-4 hundred bucks each. Not sure if I should replace it or just leave it if the cleaning doesnt work. Thanks a lot ,everyone. @PilsnerM, thanks for noticing that mistake. I mistyped.

A: Actually, you have a 2.5. I have a 96 2.2 and it's probably different. As a Subie owner, you need to join the following message board and post the question there. Lots of knowledgeable folks in there. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=3cade4d09cd98a8c3a5ce53b15e1b0b6&f=3

Q: does anyone know how to change the knock sensor on a 1998 subaru outback . or where i can get a diagram to see


A: A 98 Outback should be equipped with the EJ255 DOHC engine.. there may be one or two knock sensors.. depending on the build of the car. If you remove the airbox ( large black square thing on the rear of the engine, attaches to the throttle body), they should be visible under the intake manifold. Most models have one for each cylinder head, and they will be at opposite sides of the engine, screwed into the block itself with a one wire connector.

Q: 1998 subaru outback ecu?
my subaru dealer told me i needed to replace the ecu in my vehicle because my check engine light is on. i took the car to a buddy of mine who has a code box and the only codes it throws is egr valve and knock sensor. im hesitant to take it to the dealer cause my check engine light has kept coming on and they've replaced tons of parts and want to replace the knock sensor, ecu and egr valve. knock sensors and egr valve have been replaced a year ago. how do i know if my ecu is going bad?

A: The first thing you need to do is obtain the actual diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) your ECU is detecting, in the form Pnnn, where the n's are decimal digits. The second thing you need to do is to obtain an estimated cost from your dealer for the repairs your dealer is proposing. Lastly, once you have obtained this data, call Subaru of America at 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783). An ECU failure is extremely unlikely, unless you've crossed some wires during some aftermarket equipment installation while the battery was still inline.

Q: 1998 subaru outback check engine light, airflow meter problem?
my subaru had check engine light on and i figured out it was the air flow meter an thus went and purchsaed a new one. installed fine and the light has gone away but the car stalls immediately when i start it and try and drive it. it is as if the car thinks it is getting enough air through but it isnt. i have tried resetting the ecu but with no luck in fixing the problem i disconnected the plug on the sensor started the car fine. i turned the car off put the plug on properly and cheked the pins were all ok. start the car and it will idle for 2-3 seconds then drop revs and stall as if the sensor is sayin there is enough air but the engine is not recieving it

A: One thing to double check. Did you install the sensor yourself? If you did, make sure all the hoses between the MAF sensor and the throttle body are plugged in and secured. Any air leak behind the MAF will cause this symptom. Otherwise, the MAF is bad. These cars don't require that you reset the PCM or recalibrate anything after replaceing the MAF sensor.

Q: 1998 Subaru Outback--4,000 since last oil change, there's been a smell (slight) from the engine...?
and a small amount of smoke (lighter color, if anything). Is this an issue of needing an oil change and new filter, or is there something more I should be concerned about. No engine noise or vehicle performance issues.

A: The fact that you haven't changed the oil in 4,000 miles doesn't have any effect on smells of any kind coming from the engine compartment. Certainly, you want to get an oil change as soon as possible. If the smoke is from the engine compartment, look for a valve cover leak and get it fixed. If it is from the exhaust pipe, have a mechanic do a leak-down test to see if you have a blown head gasket. Although that is more unlikely especially since you mentioned that there is NO performance issues. Although you didn't mention the total mileage of your car, you should change the oil regularly, every 3 to 4 thousand miles is a good measure. Excellent car, take care of it and it will last a long time.

Q: How do I get my 1998 Subaru Legacy AWD to get more than 12 MPG!! I should get 21 mpg. ?
I bought a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback AWD - it has 85,000 and I only get 12 miles to the gallon. I get exactly 100 miles for half a tank of gas which comes out to about 12 mpg when I should be getting 21mpg. Any thoughts?

A: For one I had a Subaru just not the one you have now . Vary good car . OK now to your question . New Tires : Run your tires around 32psi Tune Up : Plugs , Wire , Rotor Cap . etc . Timing : Have your timing checked . IF it is off by a few degrees it will cost you in the long run . Have your Fuel Filter changed as well . Oil : Change it " if you have had that done already " . Brakes " yes your brakes can have a lot in the play with gas mileage " . Here is some thing that most people do not pay attention on . Your tires are SPEED RATED . Example : 2006 Chevrolet Corvette, C6 : Tire rating is a Z rated tire meaning for high speeds . Chevrolet Cobalt : tire rating is H rating meaning low speeds . which results to better gas mileage than the Corvette C6 . For me i prefer trucks but that just me I guess . I own a 1996 Chevy Silverado Z71 4x4 . i hope that gives you some ideas to look at . Have a wonderful weekend .

Q: 1998 Outback Stalled, Check Engine light ON Speedometer not working. How do I fix. NO scanner.?
1998 Subaru Outback Manual Transmission. I think it might be the VSS2 but I am not sure. I think I located it looking above on the transmission passenger side. Unclear how to remove. It has 2 wires going into the harness. Help please. I forgot to mention that the car stalled, then when I restarted it the check engine light was on, and the speedometer wasn't working.

A: It could be the MAF or knock sensor? Take it to pep boys or autozone for a free scan. Check your fuses.