2001 Subaru Outback Vibration in idle in gear

SUBURBANSILK

MEMBER
2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
18,200 MILES

We have just purchased a used 01 Outback, have noticed quickly a vibration while automatic transmission is in Drive, idle is at 600 rpm's or so. Can eliminate much of vibration if I increase rpm to 700-800. Dealer won't set idle higher, states that this is normal, how could this be normal, do I have to tell my passengers when they notice vibration that this is normal

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi suburbansilk,

The standard idling speed specifications is 600 -800 rpm for automatic transmission and if it is at 600, it is at the lower end of the range.

Could the vibrations be due to bad engine mounts?
Does shifting into reverse reduces or increases the vibration?

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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 2:41 PM

SUBURBANSILK

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2 POSTS

The vibration stays the same, only is stopped when shifting into park or neutral. We have been told 3 times today by (2) dealers and (1) 3rd party mechanic that this is typical for this car maker. That's not possible is it.

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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 3:02 PM

KHLOW2008

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41,815 POSTS

It depends on the amount of vibration.

The engine is a flat type ( boxer ) engine and it does tend to have more vibrations than others. If so many people said that it is normal, I would have to agree as I don't believe all of them could be wrong.

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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 3:20 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

If I may chime in. KHLow is correct about that style of engine vibrating more than other designs, but at 182k on the odometer the odds are that the rubber engine mounts are pretty well worn out. Replacing the mounts may not completely eliminate the vibrations, as some is normal, but it may take it to an acceptable level. Also try cleaning out the throttle bore around the butterfly with carb cleaner and a rag. This may raise/stabilize the idle

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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 1:10 PM

U0999

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1 POST

This may not be a transmission. I have same year/model. If you ever replaced the axle(s) and they put a non -OEM one, it likely causes vibration at idle. Subaru happens to be particularly sensitive to some non OEM parts axles being one of them. Try determining which one is non OEM and replace with OEM. Should eliminate vibration at idle.