[mjc12]

Purchased an 04 FXT about a month ago and everything is going well except the transmission is concerning me. I wanted to see if every Forester drives like this or if I have an issue that can be sorted out.

1. The transmission kicks hard during acceleration. 1-2 and 2-3 shifts kick particularly hard. It feels like it shifts into neutral for a second and then punches into gear and off I go.

2. At highway speeds (50+) it feels like the transmission surges during partial throttle. The transmission will sort of surge as if it is coming on and off power very quickly. I can get it to stop by either letting off or flooring it (though sometimes it will continue while I floor it).

Are these common traits of the transmission or do these symptoms sound like a bigger issue?

 

[theroyz71]

I have the same issue with hard shifting where it feels like it shifts into neutral for a split second. It doesn't happen all the time but enough to be very annoying. It usually includes a loud bang like someone smacked the undercarriage with a big hammer. I have not experienced your other issue.

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

@mjc12 @theroyz71 have you done an ATF drain & refill regiment? If the ATF filter was replaced, any chance an engine oil filter was installed in place of the Subaru ATF filter?

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[starkis]

I have the same problems with my '06 FXT 4eat.
1. I noticed, that hard kicks while upshifts depend on ATF temperature. Kicking feels hardest on winter after cold starts. After a few kilos, it gets smoother to no kicks at all. And now, on hot summer days, it feels no kicks even after a cold start. So, maybe cold oil is just too viscous for an old tranny? I think on trying Dex VI instead of Dex III next ATF change. I heard it retro mixable and DexVI is a bit less viscous...?
2. If hard shifting is an old problem for my FXT, the revs surging started just recently and I am seriously worried. I filmed it, have a look. It might look very slightly pulsing on the video, but then you're driving it, it feels quite evident and sports exhaust sound lets it feel very well. ATF changed about 2000 kilos ago, the filter is OEM.