I bought my 02 wagon in april (I am the second owner - previous owner had most of service done at SOG) and it now has 70K miles. Yesterday with the cold I notice a gas smell. A bit of searching on NASIOC pointed me to a TSB (09-36-03) that replaces a hard and flexible fuel line to fix this problem. The tsb is on this page: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131755&page=7 Any chance that subaru will pay for this (or part)? I realize I am out of warranty. Seems most of the expense is in labor to remove the intake manifold. How much will it be? WJM - any advice on how to approach them? If Subaru won't help, how hard is it to remove the intake manifold and replace these lines. I have done some work (60K, replaced belts, brakes, ect.) and I have the service manual CD, but it doesn't always tell the whole story.
if it is out of warrenty you will have to pay for it unless it was a pre exisiting condition that they already knew about at the dealership before you bought the car. sorry (i can quote the DSM for you too)
If there is a TSB on it they should cover it, the TSB means that it is a known problem. Not only is it a known problem but its a saftey issue, they aren't looking to get involved in any lawsuits, chances are they will fix it.
ok just got off the phones, here's whats up, yes subaru knows about it but no its not covered under warrenty. what you will need is fuel clamps and new hoses. and according to the SE DSM its an easy job to do if you know how or can get some help. you will have to remove the intake manifold and pressureize the system. also he says this will happen if it under 20 degree outside. he said try to do it yourself and dont waste your time going to a dealership and paying outragous fees!
Call SOG. Explain the situation. If they say you will pay for it, ask for the 1-800 customer service number. Thank them for their time and information. Make sure to be nice. Being nice and courteous will get you farther than yelling and screaming. Call the Customer Service number, explain the situation to them. Again, a nice approach is best.
Easy is changing the oil/gear oil/rear diff fluid....intake manifold is not. I'm thinking about the average subaru wrx/sti/rs owner here. To someone like me...yeah I can R&R an intake manifold in my sleep.
yea thats true ... everything invlving a subaru is easy to my dad ... he has my starter changed in 30 minutes.
I've removed the intake manifold and it's a PITA the first time around. After that it's easy. So just like WJM said if you have never removed a 'SUBARU' intake manifold, be prepared to curse the car for everything it's worth.
Thanks all for the advice. I guess I will at least give it a try with the dealership and the 1800- subaru customer service route. Any advantage / benefit to going to Troncalli in Cumming - it is way closer to my house!
Not unless you have a preference. I've had only 2 complaints from the Troncalli guys...it both times the customers were a little....loopy...to say the least.
WRX_SVX Girl - I am guessing your dad is a SOA rep. Any difference in calling 1800 cust service? The reason I ask is there were several cases of people having luck with that on NASIOC.
I've had a few ppl get it covered after calling customer service. Her dad is the District Field Service Manager for the area...covering ATL, western NC, most of TN and a little more in other areas IIRC.
I was under the impression that if there is a TSB for a part on a car, and it's outside the warranty, it's still covered. Do you have progressive insurance by chance? I know with them, you can go online, go into your account, go to your car (since they have the VIN on file) and see what TSB's are out there for the car as well as what's been done. Do what Will says, go to SoG, and Troncalli, be NICE and see if they can pull it up for you and hopefully take care of it....
Take a screw driver and tighten all the clamps on the fuel lines you can reach without removing anything. Fortunately for me one of the ones I could get to was the culprit. You may get lucky too.
Warranty Recall/Safety Recalls are for the life of the vehicle and do not expire. A Technical Service Bulletin is an article published by the manufacture to assist the dealer personnel in repairing a common problem on a vehicle line. It does not bind the manufacture to repair the vehicle with no fees charged to the customer.
David you can try the 800 number but I am not sure how far you can get. And if the man know everything about warrenties says it isn't covered I normally go with what he says. My dad has been with subaru 18 years+ also I would definite try tightening the clamps before going to a dealership.
I tried to get it covered/repaired as well, but had no luck. I ended up tightening the clamps myself because I got desperate, and it worked fine. 2 years later and still no fuel smell.
What dealership did you go to? I have a pretty good relationship with a few people at a couple of dealerships. I need mine fixed also. I will tighten the clamps, but I want the most permanent fix, lol!
ok one they are going to call my dad anyways, and he said he would rather help you guys fix things than do the paper work later!
I spoke to reps, so I never really wasted my time going to the dealerships directly. I might have gotten a deal if I showed up in person, but time is very tight with me. I might have even spoken to Amanda's Father about it. Sorry, Amanda, but I dont remember names - everyone was really cordial though.