I have a '98 Outback. The "AT Oil Temp" light flashes after starting the car for about 5-10 seconds then goes out. The owners manual says this may mean an AT control system fault.
Any ideas??
I changed the AT fluid about a year ago. The car has 60K miles and runs perfectly still--even since the light came on.
I plan to change the tranny oil AND FILTER to see if it'll help. Then maybe take it to the dealer to read the codes or something??? unless anyone can help? Does the tranny use the flat filter within the pan or a screw-on one? What are the torque amounts for the tranny pan bolts?
You might be able to get some help here, but this is primarily a first gen. Legacy site. Meaning we don't necessarily know much about your car. The Legacy forum on NASIOC may prove more helpful.
Flashing AT oil temp is the same as the Check Engine Light. It means the Transmission computer has detected an error. It actually has nothing to do with the fluid temperature or condition.
(1) Does the 98 2.5l have a round screw-on tranny filter or a flat rectangular one inside the pan? I don't see the round one anywhere, but my local dealer is too dumb to figure it out so I am reluctant to take the car there unless I have to!
(2) I assume the dealer can "read the error code" and then tell me the problem. Is there any other way to read the code?
I dont know the procedure for reading your TCU stored codes. One thing, try to count the blinks when it happens next time. You should head over to http://forums.nasioc.com/forums and ask. Tell them we sent you over.
I suggest asking in the Transmission forum first.
As for the filters it might have both! The spin on unit is not something you normally change unless the tranny has been completly rebuilt. The "filter" in the pan that all of our cars have is really just a screen to catch the big chunks. Personally I see NO reason to EVER drop the transmission pan (other than for a rebuild).
ciper wrote:Personally I see NO reason to EVER drop the transmission pan (other than for a rebuild).
It's not a bad idea to do this once in a blue moon. It can give you an idea of the health of the tranny. If you've got nasty metal shavings on the magnet....expect tranny failure in your future.
