Subaru Outbacks

TurboMinivan

Still plays with cars
Location
Lehi, UT
... but it seems it maybe just turns itself back on when you slow down?

Somebody earned themselves an internet cookie.

When (single-mode) X-Mode was introduced, it only functioned at low speeds... and when you exceeded 25 MPH, it would turn itself off. Period. When Dual-Mode X-Mode was initially introduced, it still only worked at low speeds, and when you exceeded 25 MPH it would still turn itself off... but now, if the driver hadn't re-selected Normal mode, Dual-Mode X-Mode would turn itself back on when you dropped below 25 MPH.

Of course, Subaru likes to make continual software tweaks and adjustments... which makes memorizing all this stuff somewhat difficult.
 
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TurboMinivan

Still plays with cars
Location
Lehi, UT
(Sorry--I got distracted and had to end that post quickly.)

With the introduction of the Outback Wilderness Edition, Subaru introduced Advanced Dual-Mode X-Mode. This version includes some medium-to-high speed gravel/dirt functions.

For those of you trying to keep score at home, that means every new Outback includes some version of X-Mode as standard equipment. However, there are three distinct versions of X-Mode. Which one you get depends on the trim level of the Outback in question.
 

DAA

Well-Known Member
I just read all that X-Mode stuff and I already can't remember it.

Haven't had a Subaru since my '79 Brat. But I loved that car. Went through ball joints and hubs and CV shafts and clutches and oil like crazy on it, but that wasn't it's fault. That little sucker dragged itself across so much shit it had no business being near it was ridiculous. Gave it to a crazy girl, she eventually ran me over with it, thank gawd for that flimsy core support...

- DAA
 

Rot Box

Diesel and Dust
Location
Smithfield Utah
Never owned a Brat but my brother had a couple…. Those backwards facing seats with oh shit handles in the bed were rad I think they’re probably illegal now 😂

This Subaru ‘love’ all started with my 84 GL two door hatchback. I had that one my brother had brats, my mom drove a GL sedan and all the neighbors had GL wagons…. No X-mode or CVT in those days but we did have low range!!!
 

Rot Box

Diesel and Dust
Location
Smithfield Utah
Oh boy I’m digging this one up from the dead!

IMG_3595.jpeg

A little recap. Bought this 2003 Outback 3.0 H6 LL Bean edition with a rod knock last year. Pulled engine—I hibernated all winter—now I’m going to start working on it again 😎

Planning on ordering a low mileage JDM engine this week sometime. Also found a set of alloy Bean OEM wheels for free on the classifieds. Swap out the ugly ones that are on it now.

My daughter just got her learners permit… Man I’m getting old and talk about anxiety wowsers! She’s getting the hang of it though I’m super proud of her.
 

Zombie

Random Dead Guy
Location
Sandy Utah
I’m still not a fan of the CVT but my wife doesn’t seem to mind.
Funny story about the human brain... my first CVT was a 2012 legacy premium that I leased. After the break in period, the first time I gave it significant throttle getting on the freeway I noticed that i went to 3500 RPM and stayed there, I though to myself, "hmm, that could be interesting with a turbo."
The 2012 cars didn't pretend to shift like the modern cars, and frankly I preferred that. If you are going to have a CVT, let it be a CVT. Everyone knows it's a CVT, making it pretend to shift just makes the mechanism less efficient but I digress.

The funny story, for the first several months It was so weird that the car didn't shift... then I drove my wife's car with a conventional automatic, and the first time it shifted from first to second under decent throttle, I backed off the gas thinking I'd broken something.

Weird how the mind works when it gets used to things...
 

Zombie

Random Dead Guy
Location
Sandy Utah
Pisses me off to no end in my wife's Ascent. If you are half throttle, it loses boost and falls on it's face when it "sHiFtS". At more than 3/4 throttle is doesn't pretend to shift and it drives beautifully. I would be interested in a tune that got rid of the fake shift BS entirely and allowed it to operate at peak efficiency for the condition.
 

Zombie

Random Dead Guy
Location
Sandy Utah
For my fellow Subaru Outback owners, I installed this over the weekend:


I went for the low glare version for the nav screen, having already wrapped the piano black shifter trim in Matte carbon fiber. This morning on my drive into work heading from sandy to downtown, the low winter sun did not glare off my screen and annoy the shiz out of me. I also have no noticeable fingerprints on the screen after adjusting a few things and changing the radio a few times on the drive in.
Highly recommend.
After the screen film is fully cured, I'm planning to wrap the piano black trim around the vents with matte carbon to remove the little slivers of glare potential.
My eyes are stupid sensitive, this made a big difference for me.
 
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