Ideas for a Forester FAQ section?

pleiad7 · 01-22-2008, 12:06 PM

Ok, so this is about one of my new year's resolutions... I want to start a FAQ section for the forum in the near future to compile information on commonly asked questions and issues faced by newbies to this forum and to the Forester world. The format would be similar to this section at IWSTI or this one at wrxtuners.com. Basically it would be read-only, with each thread containing one or several links to other threads on this forum (or external links) pertaining to the topic in question.

Now here's the part where I need your help.

I need ideas on the topics to include, and the relevant threads/links where answers/discussions can be found.

A couple of examples would be...

- the clock fix for the SF:
Oh no my clock doesn't work - Subaru Forester Owners Forum
Overhead Console Clock FIX - ScoobyMods

- the clock fix for the SG:
2003 Forester - Clock Repair - Subaru Forester Owners Forum

- SG spring rates:
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...ing-rates-737/

The questions/topics can range from common problems and repair issues to topics on modding, to general useage of the forum. So if you feel like you've come upon a subject that has been discussed time and time again, post it up... it will probably need to be included in the FAQ. In the end it will all be organized into the above-mentioned format and will hopefully save our members some time searching, and our forums from being cluttered up with stickies.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

Benrock05201 · 01-22-2008, 12:21 PM

I think that wadejg's turning/faster than a STi posts should be there.

Ben

pleiad7 · 01-22-2008, 12:32 PM

definitely.

sea-scooby · 01-22-2008, 12:48 PM

I thnk the "OEM wheels that fit the Forester" thread is very useful, it cut down on a lot of repeat questions.

Also something about the need for spacers to fit most speakers in our shallow doors would be good. Maybe something on seat swaps and struts/springs that fit too. They seem to come up all the time.

stan_t · 01-22-2008, 12:53 PM

I can keep updating this post with more stuff I can think of if you want.

FXT Engine Management options:
Would you get a UTEC for an '07 XT?

Should I buy an N/A or turbo Forester?
Pros and Cons of the Turbo

What is a quiet exhaust setup for an FXT?
Stealthiest exhaust?
Fast But Quiet Exhaust.
Need to get a quiet exhaust, what are my options???

Can I use non-premium fuel in an FXT?
Forester XT with regular gas - Bad or Good?
Turbo Forester Question

Best intake for FXT?
The Best Intake

I want to lower my Forester, what are my options?
new struts and springs
Looking for a good spring/damper set up with a decent drop.

Engine break-in?
What's a break-in period?
SOFT BREAK IN, Do you agree or disagree?

Engine loosing oil:
Sudden Mystery Oil Loss 1qt/700 miles!
Oil consumption test!
Losing Oil

Can I use synthetic oil?
Advice from Service Manager: NO SYNTHETIC
Synthetic Oil?
Which oil do you use?

How often do you change oil?
How Often To Change Oil
Synthetic oil change interval
XT oil change- what kind/how often with limited driving?

It would also be cool to have a guide for "I bought an FXT, what should I upgrade?" scenario, set up in stages, mentioning cost, pros and cons. But, that may require providing answers with opinions, for example: "suspension upgrades should be done before power upgrades".

Also, I love this diagram of the turbo exhaust system, it answered many of my questions:

Stan

bbottomley · 01-22-2008, 01:00 PM

I've written on these:

BAC5.2 has written on:

How to change transmission oil/fluid.

SubaJew has written on:

Tire comparison chart

Ferret has written on:

How to replace foglight bulbs, the easy way vs. the ##%**! way

Peaty of course has written tons of good stuff. A recent thread, well worthy of FAQ, is:

Where can I tap off electricity, both switched and constant?

Others:

How to change brake fluid. Speed bleeders.
How to change brake pads
How to change sparkplugs, NA and Turbo
How to run wiring from front to back
How to remove the door panel
How to remove the panel that surrounds the radio
How to disable DRLs (with or without HIDs)
How to adjust emergency brake
Oil change - those pesky little clips (including part #), Fumoto valve, removing/installing the filter
CEL codes, with comments regarding the common ones (like gas tank cap open)
Optima batteries
Do I really have to buy four new tires when one of them blew out?
What's the green plug for?
I did something under the front seat. Now the airbag light is on.
Jack points
Yes, the automatic climate control system really sucks!
Commented links to other Subaru info sites, especially www.cars101.com. After all, we're pretty much all the same under the skin.
Useful retail sources for stuff that our participating vendors don't carry, such as electronics, computer stuff, hitches and carriers, etc.
Sylvania lamp replacement guide

And at the top of the list:

Suggest a sub-forum format following the same layout as the tech forums already here; otherwise it will probably get clogged up pretty quickly. I'd prefer more tight, original writing over links to already cluttered threads.

rayallen · 01-22-2008, 01:20 PM

And please include a section for Frequently Used Acronyms as shown in the first example provided above.

There are many acronyms used here that newbies (like me!) have never heard before. I did find them by searching threads but I still don't remember them all yet.

problemcat13 · 01-22-2008, 01:36 PM

"Thinking about buying - common issues to watch for" - we seem to get that question a lot, which is more relevant to our older SFs and head gaskets / bearings.

"Thinking about buying - Towing" is a common topic.

"Auto vs. Manual"

: chair:

Why do people keep bothering to post on this?

pleiad7 · 01-22-2008, 01:54 PM

Good stuff so far, keep it coming!

Quote:

Originally Posted by stan_t

I can keep updating this post with more stuff I can think of if you want.

Thanks, your list is exactly what I'm looking for!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbottomley

Suggest a sub-forum format following the same layout as the tech forums already here; otherwise it will probably get clogged up pretty quickly. I'd prefer more tight, original writing over links to already cluttered threads.

If possible I'd like to minimize, if not outright avoid writing. Information is easily outdated/superceded, so I'd like to keep the format to the one I outlined in my original post, with links to relevant discussions rather than giving absolute answers. This will also allow us to put the FAQ to use much sooner... I just don't have the time to compile information and then write about each and every topic. Also, the FAQ forum will not get clogged up because it will be read-only.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayallen

And please include a section for Frequently Used Acronyms as shown in the first example provided above.

We already have an acronym list, but it's in an obscure location and needs some work still: Frequently Used Acronyms and Technical Terms

abacall · 01-22-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayallen

And please include a section for Frequently Used Acronyms as shown in the first example provided above.

There are many acronyms used here that newbies (like me!) have never heard before. I did find them by searching threads but I still don't remember them all yet.

I wrote this mod/acronym dictionary a while ago. Complete with links.

bbottomley · 01-22-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pleiad7

If possible I'd like to minimize, if not outright avoid writing. Information is easily outdated/superceded ...

You misunderestimate us!

I've edited links into a few of my suggestions above. Will have to look a bit further for a good link to remote fobs, as there are quite a few to choose from--by me, sea-scooby, and others.

rayallen · 01-22-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abacall

I wrote this mod/acronym dictionary a while ago. Complete with links.

Yes, I know and I thank you. I did find it and it has been VERY helpful. It helped explain many things I would never have worked out by myself.

eRazor · 01-22-2008, 05:56 PM

The things I see over and over are fluids.

- Which oil shoud I use
- Which coolant should I use

Then there are things like

- Piston slap; is it common? what does it sound like?
- Battery Drain™ switch; what does it do?
- ACC; how do I set the climate control to full auto?
- why does the A/C come on with ACC?
- Dashboard icons; "What does the hot-dog icon mean?"
- Tires, (Someone) came up with a brilliant spreadsheet containing a bazillion replacement tire specs.
- Tire pressure; the fact that even Subaru doesn't provide the correct pressures.

abacall · 01-22-2008, 05:58 PM

Add to that:
Why can't I see my radio and A/C lights during the day? How do I fix it?
Tire size calculator would be good also.

damu0703 · 01-22-2008, 06:18 PM

How do I...

upload a pic
post a pic
post a large pic without having to click on it
host pics on another site (bucket, et al)

basically anything and everything about PICS.

01-22-2008, 12:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
pleiad7 The Seventh Sister Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Redneck yard of the week, near Forest(er)ville, CA Posts: 12,670 Gallery: 8 iTrader: 16 / 100%	Ideas for a Forester FAQ section? Ok, so this is about one of my new year's resolutions... I want to start a FAQ section for the forum in the near future to compile information on commonly asked questions and issues faced by newbies to this forum and to the Forester world. The format would be similar to this section at IWSTI or this one at wrxtuners.com. Basically it would be read-only, with each thread containing one or several links to other threads on this forum (or external links) pertaining to the topic in question. Now here's the part where I need your help. I need ideas on the topics to include, and the relevant threads/links where answers/discussions can be found. A couple of examples would be... - the clock fix for the SF: Oh no my clock doesn't work - Subaru Forester Owners Forum Overhead Console Clock FIX - ScoobyMods - the clock fix for the SG: 2003 Forester - Clock Repair - Subaru Forester Owners Forum - SG spring rates: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...ing-rates-737/ The questions/topics can range from common problems and repair issues to topics on modding, to general useage of the forum. So if you feel like you've come upon a subject that has been discussed time and time again, post it up... it will probably need to be included in the FAQ. In the end it will all be organized into the above-mentioned format and will hopefully save our members some time searching, and our forums from being cluttered up with stickies. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! __________________ -Silke 04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed" 98 Forester S ~ "Slynki" 92 SVX LS-L ~ x2 Last edited by pleiad7 : 05-15-2008 at 03:10 PM.

01-22-2008, 12:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Benrock05201 Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bennington, VT Posts: 1,848 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 18 / 100%	I think that wadejg's turning/faster than a STi posts should be there. Ben __________________ 2005 FXTi black/black.

01-22-2008, 12:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
pleiad7 The Seventh Sister Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Redneck yard of the week, near Forest(er)ville, CA Posts: 12,670 Gallery: 8 iTrader: 16 / 100%	definitely. __________________ -Silke 04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed" 98 Forester S ~ "Slynki" 92 SVX LS-L ~ x2

01-22-2008, 12:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
sea-scooby The Sub kit guy Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Renton, Wa Posts: 7,686 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 41 / 100%	I thnk the "OEM wheels that fit the Forester" thread is very useful, it cut down on a lot of repeat questions. Also something about the need for spacers to fit most speakers in our shallow doors would be good. Maybe something on seat swaps and struts/springs that fit too. They seem to come up all the time. __________________ 05 Forester XTi Premium M/T (PRE tuned VF39)(his) 05 Forester X A/T (hers) My Journal page

01-22-2008, 12:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
stan_t Enjoyn the ride Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 878 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 2 / 100%	I can keep updating this post with more stuff I can think of if you want. FXT Engine Management options: Would you get a UTEC for an '07 XT? Should I buy an N/A or turbo Forester? Pros and Cons of the Turbo What is a quiet exhaust setup for an FXT? Stealthiest exhaust? Fast But Quiet Exhaust. Need to get a quiet exhaust, what are my options??? Can I use non-premium fuel in an FXT? Forester XT with regular gas - Bad or Good? Turbo Forester Question Best intake for FXT? The Best Intake I want to lower my Forester, what are my options? new struts and springs Looking for a good spring/damper set up with a decent drop. Engine break-in? What's a break-in period? SOFT BREAK IN, Do you agree or disagree? Engine loosing oil: Sudden Mystery Oil Loss 1qt/700 miles! Oil consumption test! Losing Oil Can I use synthetic oil? Advice from Service Manager: NO SYNTHETIC Synthetic Oil? Which oil do you use? How often do you change oil? How Often To Change Oil Synthetic oil change interval XT oil change- what kind/how often with limited driving? It would also be cool to have a guide for "I bought an FXT, what should I upgrade?" scenario, set up in stages, mentioning cost, pros and cons. But, that may require providing answers with opinions, for example: "suspension upgrades should be done before power upgrades". Also, I love this diagram of the turbo exhaust system, it answered many of my questions: Stan Last edited by stan_t : 01-22-2008 at 03:05 PM.

01-22-2008, 01:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
bbottomley Engineer Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New London, NH Posts: 4,123 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 1 / 100%	I've written on these: Hill holder Why one headlight is dim Melted headlight socket Keyless entry fobs BAC5.2 has written on: How to change transmission oil/fluid. SubaJew has written on: Tire comparison chart Ferret has written on: How to replace foglight bulbs, the easy way vs. the ##%*! way Peaty of course has written tons of good stuff. A recent thread, well worthy of FAQ, is: Where can I tap off electricity, both switched and constant? Others: How to change brake fluid. Speed bleeders. How to change brake pads How to change sparkplugs, NA and Turbo How to run wiring from front to back How to remove the door panel How to remove the panel that surrounds the radio How to disable DRLs (with or without HIDs) How to adjust emergency brake Oil change - those pesky little clips (including part #), Fumoto valve, removing/installing the filter CEL codes, with comments regarding the common ones (like gas tank cap open) Optima batteries Do I really have to buy four new tires when one of them blew out? What's the green plug for? I did something under the front seat. Now the airbag light is on. Jack points Yes, the automatic climate control system really sucks! Commented links to other Subaru info sites, especially www.cars101.com. After all, we're pretty much all the same under the skin. Useful retail sources for stuff that our participating vendors don't carry, such as electronics, computer stuff, hitches and carriers, etc. Sylvania lamp replacement guide And at the top of the list: What's this funny switch on the steering column? Why can't I turn my parking lights off? My battery went dead after I dusted the steering column! Suggest a sub-forum format following the same layout as the tech forums already here; otherwise it will probably get clogged up pretty quickly. I'd prefer more tight, original writing over links to already cluttered threads. __________________ 2003 XS Premium MT - 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS MT Last edited by bbottomley : 02-20-2008 at 08:22 PM. Reason: Continued inspiration!*

01-22-2008, 01:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
rayallen Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Central Coast, NSW, Australia Posts: 61 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	FAQ is a wonderful idea And please include a section for Frequently Used Acronyms as shown in the first example provided above. There are many acronyms used here that newbies (like me!) have never heard before. I did find them by searching threads but I still don't remember them all yet.

01-22-2008, 01:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
problemcat13 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 1,173 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 1 / 100%	"Thinking about buying - common issues to watch for" - we seem to get that question a lot, which is more relevant to our older SFs and head gaskets / bearings. "Thinking about buying - Towing" is a common topic. "Auto vs. Manual" : chair: Why do people keep bothering to post on this? __________________ 99 L 5MT (sorely missed) 04 JBP XT 5MT

01-22-2008, 05:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
eRazor The Dark Side Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Somewhere up north Posts: 607 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 1 / 100%	The things I see over and over are fluids. - Which oil shoud I use - Which coolant should I use Then there are things like - Piston slap; is it common? what does it sound like? - Battery Drain™ switch; what does it do? - ACC; how do I set the climate control to full auto? - why does the A/C come on with ACC? - Dashboard icons; "What does the hot-dog icon mean?" - Tires, (Someone) came up with a brilliant spreadsheet containing a bazillion replacement tire specs. - Tire pressure; the fact that even Subaru doesn't provide the correct pressures. __________________ . Suzie: MY08 Suzuki SX4 JX Fastback AWD 5MT . Last edited by eRazor : 01-22-2008 at 06:01 PM.

01-22-2008, 05:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
abacall Official Site Grammarian Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah '04 XT 5MT Stg. II Posts: 3,110 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 11 / 100%	Add to that: Why can't I see my radio and A/C lights during the day? How do I fix it? Tire size calculator would be good also. __________________ Forester: the car that put the BOX in Boxer Want to see my Fozz?

01-22-2008, 06:18 PM	#15 (permalink)
damu0703 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Browns Mills, NJ Posts: 1,058 Gallery: 13 iTrader: 7 / 100%	*How do I...* upload a pic post a pic post a large pic without having to click on it host pics on another site (bucket, et al) basically anything and everything about PICS. __________________ '07 Sports NA AT Swifts, STi rear sway, LLWS, Perrin rear links, black surround head/tail lights

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