I feel so special ;) Only 6 of us in the whole country! And I get a new tranny.

I posted my first Popping Out of 1st Gear report/question several days ago and finally got to take my Wagon into Gold Rush Subaru, Auburn CA, for the 3000 mile oil change service (3400 miles).

I told them about the popping out of 1st gear when engine braking downhill, no gas, no brake, just slowly coasting downhill in 1st.

They almost did not reproduce the problem because it just happens randomly, except for on trip on a very rough road when it happened twice. I requested their master mechanic check it again. He and I took a ride and finally it popped out for him.

They call SOA to see what they recommend. The first time they called, SOA said they did not know about the problem. Then SOA called back and said they have had 6 reports of this problem.

Service has ordered a new transmission to be installed, a full day job. They will then send mine back to SOA with transmission fluid and everything so it can be investigated.

So it goes. I will post any other news I have about this deal.

Did it do anything else? Like grind when trying to put it into first?

-Ed

Did it do anything else? Like grind when trying to put it into first?

No, it did not, nothing that I am aware of, always shifted just fine.

I hope you're taking advantage and beating the hell out of that soon-to-be-replaced tranny!

;)

They are replacing your tranny??? I should call then up soon then. I had first pop out of gear on me twice so far while going down hill in first gear.

I think Subaru is a little bit paranoid. Go to page http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/Central/Index.cfm and plug in the value for SB608198, below:
Technical Service
Bulletins Database

NHTSA Item Number:

I picked up my WRX Wagon with a new transmission today. Sure is nice to get the car back. It was out 2 days, due to some slip up in scheduling and I had a Ford Taurus rental. Man, what a difference in that big boat!:eek: Funny, the Ford actually felt like it had good acceleration, UNTIL I got my WRX back.:-}

Dealer service will send the tranny back to SOA so they can see what was causing the intermittent popping out of 1st while engine braking downhill.

I don't think I can feel any difference, although shifting into 1st seems to feel more positive. But, too hard to tell.

I am not real happy that the transmission was bad, but I am happy that the dealer, Gold Rush in Auburn, CA, took good care of me and my car.