Greenmamba

Howdy, Welcome. Nice wheels.

The pcv valve is in different locations depending on model/year. When you access/remove it (the black tubing needs to come off, then unscrew the valve from the manifold) the valve should rattle when shaken. Clean if necessary using a squirt of WD40 or suitable degreaser and reinsert; or replace. I'll try and attach a couple of photos, need to check if either resembles your motor.

PCV valve stuck?

I assume you mean the dipped headlights are aimed too high? Any work done which might explain this, if it's a recent development? Have they always been like this? Fresh bulbs put in recently? If so, they may not be seated properly and you'll have to remove the cover (grey plastic behind each h/l fitting) and check. If you've done this and the bulbs are sitting fine, there are adjustment screws on each headlight housing. Let us know if you need directions on finding these screws (assuming you've checked the bulbs, and there's no physical damage).

They don't as a rule go wrong quickly. My experience, for what it's worth is I had a droning noise seemingly coming from the n/s front. Had the car at a garage for some rust removal, asked them to check all w/bearings. They test drove, reported nothing found. Weeks later, car passed MOT at a different garage with no advisories. Still bugged by the drone, I changed the n/s bearing myself with a SKF bearing. Noise gone.

Sounds like wheel bearing to me too. What mileage, and have they ever been done? One way to investigate, if you have an infra-red thermometer is to test temperatures of the wheels, any suspicially hotter than others could indicate a bearing on the way out. Binding brakes, unfortunately will also cause elevated wheel temps so not too reliable a test, but there you go.

Good one!

I've 2 suggestions, both to do with transmisison fluid. #1 - check fluid level according to the manual. It's normally done while the transmission is warm, engine running, in park, check the dipstick and ensure the level is around the "full-hot" level (there should be 2 levels markers on the dipstick, cold low/high and hot low/high). If it is low, add small amounts of the recommended transmisison fluid (again, check what grade, should be in your owners manual, maybe Dexron 3)? Suggestion #2 - drain and fill with fresh fluid. You'll only be draining and filling about third/half of the contents of the tranny each time, may take 2 or 3 drain/fills over a period of a few days to get a majority of fresh fluid in the transmission. Not all of the fluid drains when you remove the drain plug, some remains in the torque converter. Final thought - if draining or adding transmission fluid - ensure you're draining and filling the transmission, not the engine. Don't mix the two!!

Good to meet you Colin and the rest of the guys. Till next time!

I'm keen. It would be my first!

Will do.

Changed from my winter tyres to fresh summers - Hankook Ventus Prime2, 215/55 17V. Hoping for some fuel benefit as these tyres are low rolling resistance and should be good in the wet.

Brilliant, thanks very much, works a treat. I don't know why I couldn't see that, tried for ages.

Hiya. There is a factory rest option, I've tried that and it doesn't change anything. The book says if you select this option it clears all user setitngs and defaults to, in the case of country, Belgium! There is no "country setting" that I can find. The only setting vaguely relevant is in the language, which I've got set to English (UK). I've not taken any pics but will try and get a couple this next weekend.

Hi all, here's hoping someone can help me. I have recently bought a 2006 reg 3.0 R Outback with the sat nav. The problem is I don't seem to be able to set road or street addresses because the system is fixed on default map (Belgium according to the instruction manual for the sat nav). For instance I cant even do a search for Maidstone (town name) as when I enter 'M' 'A' 'I' (first 3 letters) most of the remaining letters on the keyboard grey-out - means I cannot complete the word Maidstone. Optional names beginning with MAI are all on the continent. I'm sure the DVD is not the problem, since I've tried both the disc I got with the car (2004-2005) plus a one I bought recently (2006) edition. I've tried all the on-screen options, nothing makes any difference. I've tried the reset pin, no difference. How do I set the default map to UK? I'll really appreciate any info anyone may have. regards Pat

Hiya. On the off chance that you're still breaking/selling your car, do you have a right hand headlight (complete) available? let me know? Cheers, Pat

I am selling 2 items from a 2001 X reg Outback - should fit similar model Legacy. L/H (nearside, passenger side) headlight assembly complete, with bulbs and all fittings. Suitable for car with adjustable h/l level. The unit is used but quite serviceable, some scuff marks but I believe it is sealed (water ingress etc). Asking £25. Momo steering wheel for the same car. Complete with airbag and cruise control lever. In very good condition, leather and wood. Very small scratch at about 12o'clock on the wood, I've tried to show it on the one photo, hard to spot. Asking £50. I'm in Maidstone Kent and would prefer collection. I'll package and post at buyers cost (price tbc). Anyone interested, p'm me? regards Pat

Yep, have been checking daily. Contacted the one guy breaking a car, he seemed promising but hasn't got back to me. I live in hope. Not averse to eBay - last 3 Subies - 2 Imprezas, 1 previous OB and this one, all bought via eBay. I'll keep on trying.

I'm hoping someone can help me with a headlight - drivers side for a 2006 Outback. The wagon I bought 3 weeks ago, off side headlight has a pinhole crack in the lens and the bulb holder (spring clip) is missing, so at the moment the bulb is retained by a coil spring/duct tape! I'm willing to consider travel (not too far out of Kent) or happy to pay reasonable price/postage. Needn't be new (the rest of the car's not) but pref. in good condition. Anyone?

Hello all, Just found this forum and want to introduce myself. Currently own 2 Outbacks, one 2001 2.5 currently on sale, recently bought a 2006 3.0RN. Previously had 2 Imprezas, one after the other; but getting old and lazy, decided auto boxes were my future! Fire Engineer by trade. Looking forward to learning more, and who knows - may even have some insights to share.