95 Subaru legacy wagon manual transmission fluid

THe first step would be to check the transmission fluid level. THis needs to be done with the car in park with the engine idling. Low fluid level will cause the fluid to overheat. If the fluid is low, you will need to add some to bring it up to the correct level. Be aware that this means that you probably have a leak somewhere that needs to be fixed. If this light turns on when the car is cold, this could point to an electronic issue with the wiring or sensor inside the transmission. THis may be a good time to go ahead and do a transmission filter change (DO NOT FLUSH THE FLUID, just replace what comes out when you drop the pan to change the filter)- I would recommend doing this every 20 or 30k miles and i would also recommend adding Lucas Transmission Fix with the service.

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to Model Category.

For strangeness like that you need the dealership. I would normally suggest a transmission specialist, but they will likely tell you that you need a new transmission.

Would start by checking linkage or the cable that runs to tranny. Tranny fluid level is correct? Check fluid level first. Run 15-20 mins and check with motor warmed and running

Sounds like the clutches for 3rd Gear are worn out. Need to rebuild or replace the transmission.

sadly the early version of the 4 speed is prone to this type of failure. I have owed 4 that had this exact problem. the rear end of the main transmission case wears down at the transfer case and this causes an internal leak. The loss of fluid pressure causes the loss of function. I'm confident that a good transmission shop can fix this by using a case and parts from a newer version of the 4 speed auto

Hi,
The 1st>>2nd shift on the Subaru 4EAT automatic transmission can be more abrupt, but 3500 is too high.
Is there any delay when shifting from Park to Drive?
Does the Power light flash on startup? If it does, you can pull the codes by following these instructions.

This trans has 'bands' that can be adjusted. I'm not 100% sure they affect the 1st>2nd gear shift, but maybe they need adjusted.

Take a look @ ultimatesubaru.org/forum and http://bbs.legacycentral.org. 2 sites dedicated to Subarus.

Good luck,
Td

drive plate for the torque converter broke?? fit a manual gearbox less hassle

It might not be the shift sol. How low did the trans fluid get?? Might have gotten too low and caused damage to the hyd. section of the trans. Also what type of trans fluid was used?? Only should use dexron III. Sounds like an overhaul is in the cards.....sorry.

is located in the passanger side of the engine. almost right above the universal joint that powers the tires/ it's on the BELL HOUSING if you open the hood and look close you will see a 2 inch curved handle/ it's verry small to see but if you take your time you will see it. the dipstic itself its about 4 inches long . you have to use a funnel and pour the fluid inthe dipstick hole.

I have a 95 Legacy Wagon and by the shop manual the therostat sets on the bottom of the water pump. It is accessed from the bottom of engine by 2 bolts that hold the lower hose on.