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Old 02-08-2009, 01:06 PM   #2501
Superorb
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Originally Posted by WRX Bamboo Steamer View Post
I had the problem occur for the first time a week ago, the outside temp drop to around 20. I've given up trying to get anything done via Subaru because of a couple of other defects I was not able to resolve with them. I removed the intake yesterday and found two clamps under the manifold that where very loose. The hoses looked fine, just loose clamps.
Did you replace the parts or just tighten the clamps?
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Old 02-08-2009, 02:01 PM   #2502
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Originally Posted by WRX Bamboo Steamer View Post
I had the problem occur for the first time a week ago, the outside temp drop to around 20. I've given up trying to get anything done via Subaru because of a couple of other defects I was not able to resolve with them. I removed the intake yesterday and found two clamps under the manifold that where very loose. The hoses looked fine, just loose clamps.
Please don't tell us you went to all of that trouble and then just tightened the clamps.
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Old 02-08-2009, 04:40 PM   #2503
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Originally Posted by WRX_02_227 View Post
Hey Bill,
You must have been the XT that Roberts said was just fixed....
That was me Rob! Let me know how you make out.

Bill
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Old 02-08-2009, 05:24 PM   #2504
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Did you replace the parts or just tighten the clamps?
Just tightened them. If it happens again I'm going to change the layout so it's above the manifold.
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Old 02-08-2009, 06:17 PM   #2505
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Originally Posted by WRX Bamboo Steamer View Post
Just tightened them. If it happens again I'm going to change the layout so it's above the manifold.
It WILL happen again. Subaru didn't do a good job designing that, and that is why they have made available parts to fix it so that it "should" prevent fuel leaks in the future.
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Old 02-08-2009, 06:55 PM   #2506
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It WILL happen again. Subaru didn't do a good job designing that, and that is why they have made available parts to fix it so that it "should" prevent fuel leaks in the future.
Figures. Thanks for the warning. I'm not handing over that kind of money for those parts, anyway it would be just as easy to hack the lines and reroute.
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Old 02-08-2009, 09:04 PM   #2507
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It WILL happen again. Subaru didn't do a good job designing that, and that is why they have made available parts to fix it so that it "should" prevent fuel leaks in the future.
Does this mean Subaru has new parts beyond what was done per the original raw fuel TSB? I'm scheduled to have my car repaired again, and the service tech says new parts are in. I should have asked her, but didn't. Has Subaru really come out with a new fix? Subaru is picking up the tab for this work, even though my car is out of warranty. But I'm really curious about this remark: " that is why they have made available parts to fix it so that it "should" prevent fuel leaks in the future."
I guess I missed something.
darryl
edit: never mind. I did a search and saw mention of new replacement metal fuel lines. I'm guessing that's the fix. If not, someone correct me, please.

Last edited by Darryl; 02-08-2009 at 09:13 PM. Reason: explosive diarrhea! gotta go!!!!
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Old 02-08-2009, 09:25 PM   #2508
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Originally Posted by Darryl View Post
Does this mean Subaru has new parts beyond what was done per the original raw fuel TSB? I'm scheduled to have my car repaired again, and the service tech says new parts are in. I should have asked her, but didn't. Has Subaru really come out with a new fix? Subaru is picking up the tab for this work, even though my car is out of warranty. But I'm really curious about this remark: " that is why they have made available parts to fix it so that it "should" prevent fuel leaks in the future."
I guess I missed something.
darryl
edit: never mind. I did a search and saw mention of new replacement metal fuel lines. I'm guessing that's the fix. If not, someone correct me, please.
Yeah, the parts your dealer ordered should fix the problem. BUT, I remember reading of people who are getting the fuel smell again even after the fix was performed.
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Old 02-09-2009, 07:31 AM   #2509
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thanks Sup! I hope this fix turns out to be the cure (and not allow that smell to return).
It's pretty bad to raise the hood and see pooled fuel in the engine bay. Maybe Subaru has a handle on it now with this new fix.
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Old 02-09-2009, 02:42 PM   #2510
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Originally Posted by Darryl View Post
thanks Sup! I hope this fix turns out to be the cure (and not allow that smell to return).
It's pretty bad to raise the hood and see pooled fuel in the engine bay. Maybe Subaru has a handle on it now with this new fix.
darryl
I'm still unclear as to whether SOA is using parts that are different from those specified in their TSB from 2003.

I think the idea (posted above) of using a loop of fuel hose (instead of a straight piece) is a good one. To the extent this problem is caused by expansion and contraction that would solve it.

Maybe SOA considered this but found there isn't enough space for a loop. My repair was done at a dealership so I don't have an idea as to how much room there is under the intake.
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Old 02-09-2009, 03:03 PM   #2511
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is there anyway to do a class action lawsuit against SOA with this peace of $hit problem? I think we have enough ppl here and other forums. Have SOA reimburse EVERYONE who has put money into fixing this issue no matter if its out or within warranty, and make this a mandatory recall issue for those who havent had it fixed. This is totally ridiculous, especially since we've had complaints on this board since 2002. Does anyone here have any health issues documented on paper b/c of this crap that we can prove this is a health hazard and environmental hazard? I am TOTALLY down to sign any petition or join the lawsuit to get this rolling. I think this is deterring me from buying another Subaru in the future, as much as i love my car, i cant deal with this BS, we all have better things to do instead of fighting with SOA to get a problem fixed in which they've originated. If i get cancer from this, i swear i will have to set the dealerships on fire. haha jk... (but i know many of u want to )

Last edited by jungleman; 02-09-2009 at 03:22 PM.
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Old 02-09-2009, 03:21 PM   #2512
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say Johnson I'll try to find out if the parts installed are different from the original '03 TSB.

J-Man, if Subaru is covering the costs of repairs, wouldn't that make a class action lawsuit difficult? I'd be more concerned about those individual dealerships that (according to postings here) are very unsympathetic to the customer and want to charge for even looking at the car. Especially when they are aware of the TSB, and that Subaru is willing to cover the costs. I'm amazed at how some dealers operate in regards to the raw fuel smell. Clearly there is no mandated consistency in how they should approach the issue. It seems that an auto manufacturer has a limited business agreement with the dealers. Perhaps only a recall can level the playing field and make dealers comply in the same way? So it's always wise to go through Subaru_USA to inform them, then contact the dealer, imo.
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Old 02-10-2009, 12:08 PM   #2513
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Originally Posted by LionJ5 View Post
I called SOA and told them that the smell of fuel was overbearing and that my kids were getting dizzy from the odor. The rep immediately gave me a reference num and told to take it to the nearest dealer to have the problem witnessed by a mechanic.
Sounds good! It seems like SOA is getting more responsive to this problem. I may try again with my car.
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Old 02-10-2009, 01:24 PM   #2514
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Originally Posted by topshark04 View Post
Thanks for getting back to me sajohnson!

The reason it is lower is because I know someone that works at the dealership and they might be able to get me a better price.

I actually called SOA today and I spoke to a woman named Jodi and I did get a "Service Request" number. She did tell me that I have to take the car into my local dealership to have it evaluated. I have an appointment setup for tomorrow for the evaluation and the work to be performed.

Jodi mentioned that once the work was performed I could fax my bill to her and they would then evaluate if they could "goodwill" the work. I will keep everyone updated on my status.
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Originally Posted by topshark04 View Post
The car is currently in the shop at the local dealership right now. I will be picking it up after work and hopefully everything will be fixed correctly. I will have to pay for the work and as earlier stated I will be faxing the invoice paperwork to SOA. Hopefully they will do the right thing and "goodwill" the service. I will keep everyone posted.
Well I just heard back from SOA and they told me that after analyzing my situation they will be able to "reimburse" the cost of the parts and labor from the TSB. This was great news today!!!

I spoke with a Jodi at SOA and she was great! As long as you are nice with them it seems to make a world of difference.

Again I purchased my car used with 150,000 miles and had no warranty on the car for several years now and they are going to "goodwill" the cost. That is great!
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Old 02-10-2009, 03:03 PM   #2515
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good to hear, TopShark! I'm happy for you. Good thing you were using a "nice" approach. I never ranted or cursed or said anything unseemly to the SOA reps or my local dealer. At the very least act decently.
Now let's hope these new parts really do the trick. Gotta give Sub credit for at least trying something else different,plus picking up the tab for parts and labor. Maybe it fugures it's less expensive to deal with individual issues rather than go for a full recall? I mean, I don't suspect this is an issue in Los Angeles-like areas.
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Old 02-10-2009, 03:11 PM   #2516
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^^Thanks Darryl!

I doubt that anyone who honestly thought they would have a chance to get reimbursed would be rude or anything but I know people that demand things and are very rude and it gets them nowhere.

I agree with your statement about "Los Angeles-like" areas are probably not affected. It's probably a fair split as to the true number of cars affected and not affected due to location. I know a lot of people who drive subarus in cold climates and a lot of poeple who drive in warm climates as well.
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Old 02-10-2009, 04:09 PM   #2517
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Originally Posted by Darryl View Post
good to hear, TopShark! I'm happy for you. Good thing you were using a "nice" approach. I never ranted or cursed or said anything unseemly to the SOA reps or my local dealer. At the very least act decently.
Now let's hope these new parts really do the trick. Gotta give Sub credit for at least trying something else different,plus picking up the tab for parts and labor. Maybe it fugures it's less expensive to deal with individual issues rather than go for a full recall? I mean, I don't suspect this is an issue in Los Angeles-like areas.
darryl
It's true that not all Subarus will have this problem.

At the very least, this should have been/should be handled like the ABS ECU problem -- as a "customer satisfaction campaign". SOA should send out letters to the registered owners of all potentially affected vehicles and allow them to decide if they want the work done.

IMO though, this problem should have resulted in a full-blown recall, but I guess since no one has been burned alive yet the NHTSA won't act.

Sure, some cars will never leave the 'Sunbelt', but it's impossible to know which ones. Cars get sold. People go on vacation and visit friends and family in colder climates.

Having a set blanket policy would eliminate many of the problems people are having getting this fixed and the inconsistency between how different customers are being treated.
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Old 02-10-2009, 04:17 PM   #2518
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It's true that not all Subarus will have this problem.

At the very least, this should have been/should be handled like the ABS ECU problem -- as a "customer satisfaction campaign". SOA should send out letters to the registered owners of all potentially affected vehicles and allow them to decide if they want the work done.

IMO though, this problem should have resulted in a full-blown recall, but I guess since no one has been burned alive yet the NHTSA won't act.

Sure, some cars will never leave the 'Sunbelt', but it's impossible to know which ones. Cars get sold. People go on vacation and visit friends and family in colder climates.

Having a set blanket policy would eliminate many of the problems people are having getting this fixed and the inconsistency between how different customers are being treated.
I totally agree. If it has been this long thought I'm not sure how much SOA would work to get this process in place. You would think in our economy in it's current state that they would want to do anything and everything to keep and gain customers.
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Old 02-10-2009, 04:27 PM   #2519
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Originally Posted by topshark04 View Post
I spoke with a Jodi at SOA and she was great! As long as you are nice with them it seems to make a world of difference.
Jodi helped me also and reimbursed the full cost of repair. Thanks Jodi!
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Old 02-10-2009, 07:18 PM   #2520
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Jodi helped me also and reimbursed the full cost of repair. Thanks Jodi!
Let's not forget the district or regional managers. It was explained to me by Patricia Bryant that the dealer's service manager should contact the district/regional Subaru manager, and that decisions would be made at that level. In other words the dealer reports the conditional of the car after having inspected it. Then the (regional) manager makes the call.

Want to hear something funny? I dropped my car off this morning, and got a rental. I called late in the day for a progress report and was told by the service tech that the new parts were in, but the mechanic was having trouble sorting out where the various vacuum lines went! The car may be ready by tomorrow afternoon. Well...it ain't really funny. But ya gotta be able to smile it off.
darryl
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Old 02-10-2009, 07:20 PM   #2521
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Let's not forget the district or regional managers. It was explained to me by Patricia Bryant that the dealer's service manager should contact the district/regional Subaru manager, and that decisions would be made at that level. In other words the dealer reports the conditional of the car after having inspected it. Then the (regional) manager makes the call.
That is the route I take when I deal with these cars.
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Old 02-11-2009, 01:08 PM   #2522
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Originally Posted by wgb113 View Post
That was me Rob! Let me know how you make out.

Bill
Bill,
You paid them for the repairs correct?? Did you try calling SOA to see about goodwill payment?
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Old 02-11-2009, 02:11 PM   #2523
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I live north of Toronto, Canada, and I since I can't call SOA then who can I call about this issue? Subaru Canada is an obvious choice but I can't find any phone numbers. My local dealership wants me to do a diagnosis and pay for it.

Are there any other Canadians that have dealt with this problem?
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Old 02-11-2009, 03:06 PM   #2524
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Originally Posted by Shmeffrey View Post
I live north of Toronto, Canada, and I since I can't call SOA then who can I call about this issue? Subaru Canada is an obvious choice but I can't find any phone numbers. My local dealership wants me to do a diagnosis and pay for it.

Are there any other Canadians that have dealt with this problem?
try this link: http://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.asp?Web...&WebSiteID=282
hope this helps ya out. don't let the dealer do squat until you contact Subaru first.
darryl
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Old 02-11-2009, 03:13 PM   #2525
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Originally Posted by Shmeffrey View Post
I live north of Toronto, Canada, and I since I can't call SOA then who can I call about this issue? Subaru Canada is an obvious choice but I can't find any phone numbers. My local dealership wants me to do a diagnosis and pay for it.

Are there any other Canadians that have dealt with this problem?
The 'diagnosis' takes all of about 1 minute (literally).

The dealer I went to did it for free.
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