To know the story from the beginning, start at the bottom:
2026:
Pending: All New Brakes. Why do we know this? We think the Les Schwab Tire Center in Albany, Oregon tipped us off on this. They can check it for free.
2025:
The Two Problem Connection:
We are still hoping that the motor dying while driving and the not starting after turning it off for only a few minutes, are related. A hot wire causing both?
Parts Still On Order:
Son had the SVX die on him today while near his church. The same problem when it dies while driving. I called Dennis Automotive, and the parts are still on order. He said sometimes without any rhyme or reason, can take up to two months.
Strategy That Is Working:
Driving the SVX to its location and intending to be parked at that location longer than 43 minutes and it starts every time.
This means getting gas would be a hit or miss proposition because it only takes about five minutes.
Trunk Leak Mystery Solved:
April: On April 16th, we did return it to Possum Autobody. The following Sunday our contact told us that he fixed the final mystery leak. A bolt in the left side trunk hinge/harness had the wrong bolt in it. He shopped a new bolt and calked it. No leak. Just in time for the non-rainy season here in Oregon, but surely, we feel the closure. This has haunted us ever since it arrived from Florida in 2021. Crazy to think that a &150 side job is all it took. Duh!
Trunk Leak Repair Begins:
April: On April 5 through April 8, Possum Auto Repair, Albany, Oregon had the SVX for a side-gig to repair the leaking trunk. It has leaked since it arrived from Florida in 2021.
Two leaks, one in the upper left corner and one in the left side trunk door hinge were repaired. Still, it leaked so we were not charged. We return it on April 16th and the worker si confident of success. We are happy that some of the leak was repaired.
SVX Solenoid Parts:
April: On April 11th, Dennis Automotive, Albany, Oregon, will have the parts to repair an overheating wire that cuts the signal from the ignition to the solenoid when it gets hot which is after starting and stopping after about two errands. It takes about 43 minutes for the wire to cool off.
March: Died again while driving. Just like on Christmas eve. Not sure if this is related to the problem with the solenoid wire. Makes sense that maybe the problems are related. (?) We hope.
Suddenly Won’t Start:
March: Won’t start after turning off on a multi-stop errands trip. Took 43 minutes before it would start again. In April, Dennis Automotive will confirm an overheating wire that goes from the ignition to the solenoid.
Dennis Automotive thinks both problems are from the ignition overheating. Ordering new parts. After market. Ignition has a wire that connects to the solenoid.
Pending: Solenoid repair. How did we know this? Probably from the pre-owned car inspection we did when it arrived. Above we see a problem related to the solenoid. Hopefully it is related, and the above repair takes care of this other solenoid entry.
Pending: Grind Down Rotors.
2024
Note: In late 2024 we bought a headlight buffing kit with wipes. It worked.
Pending: Speakers. Speakers in door are new.
Pending: Better seat covers.
Pending: Interior repair.
2024
Christmas eve it dies while driving, twice. Dennis Automotive repaired in early January. It went like this. Engine dies, he pulls over, all dash lights are one. He is now pulled over in traffic. He turns the key, and it starts. Problem appears to be over, until it happens again.
Need new Headlight lenses or buff them like new.
Genuine Subaru Starter.
Pending:
Reseal trunk leak.
Repair all tail-light gaskets. Moisture in them is annoying.
March
Son is still driving it to Oregon State. I drive it about twice per month to fuel it up. Drives good.
February
Oil Change. Very late.
Basic Inspection.
Exterior Detail Complete. Overdue since new paint job.
Tire rotation – on time. Mileage 113, 425. Not original speedometer.
Tire rotation target set at 118, 425.
2023
September
Oil change scheduled.
July
Battery check. Good. 13% increase.
Genuine Subaru alternator.
June
Bleed, Flush and Install New Fluid.
Right Front Brake Hose.
Oil Servicing.
Install right window motor.
Search and repair trunk leak problem.
February
New set of tires.
Tire Balancing. Alignment.
2022
December
Window Motor, right front window.
Leaky trunk inspection, check battery, check alternator, check turn-over issue.
Transmission Flushed.
Breaks Flushed.
September
Two-tone paint job and body work.
April
Computer Brain replaced.
February
New Battery.
January
Used Car Vehicle Inspection.
Bypassed the solenoid.
Harmonic Balancer.
Front-Right Axle replacement.
Oil Change.
*****
2021
August
Delivery from Florida.
2015 (??)
Engine rebuilt.
*****