Subaru Forester 2005 Problems

Now, that’s a mystery. You’re best to take it to an auto electrician and get it checked over.

If you are not doing many kilometres, which you obviously aren't, I would suggest you service it every year or 10,000 km, whichever rolls around first.

We asked Subaru to help us answer your questions and they have told us that the "manual release mechanism is to provide for emergency recovery if the vehicle becomes stuck in Park for any reason." We were told that there is no current or historical problem with the car, and that this type of mechanism is not uncommon. It was recommended that you discuss the issue of the recurrence of the problem with your dealer. We were also informed that the original switch should have been covered by Subaru's 24-months parts warranty, which applies when an authorized dealer installs a genuine part. Subaru says that it is possible that the extensive electrical modification and subsequent restoration that is made to emergency vehicles could have contributed to the problem with your vehicle, but that it is equally likely that the switch simply failed. It was suggested that you go back to your dealer and request that the warranty be honoured, and also request that the issue be referred to the Subaru regional office for technical review if it reoccurs.

WE APPROACHED Subaru for its thoughts. The company said it is difficult to accurately diagnose the engine noise without hearing it or knowing the specific conditions when it occurs. It is possibly caused by pinging or by pre-detonation of the fuel in the combustion chamber and this can be the result of the quality and/or octane rating of the fuel. If the dealer cannot determine the actual cause, it can ask for help from Subaru Australia's technical support department (ph: 1800 226 643) so more specific information can be obtained to assist the diagnosis.