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p1710 trans problem

64K views 45 replies 23 participants last post by  Flat6er 
#1 ·
My girlfriend has a 2008 Tribeca with 75,000 miles, for the past year the car will randomly shift very hard like someone ran into her from behind and turn multiple lights on, AT Temp, Cruise light flashes, maybe another light too. It will show a P1710 code which is the TC Turbine speed sensor 2. The lights will eventually go off and the car will be fine for a couple months. The nearest dealer is an hour and a half away. By the time we get there the lights are off and they say they can't do anything. I am to the point of replacing the valve body myself and seeing if that will fix it. Maybe taking it out and checking the wiring to the sensor. Has anyone else had this problem? Where would be a good place to buy a valve body?

Thanks for your help.
 
#2 ·
Nope, Subaru transmissions have a very good reputation. This particular JATCO transmission is probably as trustworthy as any. What you say is surprising. Has the fluid been changed as required? Is that something that happens only if a really cold car is pushed hard from the start in cold weather?
 
#6 ·
PS You need a new dealer. As others have said, codes are still in the TCU, even after complete battery removal and reinstall. It's pretty hard to reset them.

Which leads me to ask - Has the alternator ever been replaced? The H6 does not like aftermarket alternators, subaru only. Low voltage issues can manifest in strange ways. Since this is an uncommon issue, it's smart to look for more common ones that manifest in uncommon ways.
 
#7 ·
Yes!! Yes!! Same exact thing wrong with my 2008 Tribeca. I just posted and found your posting. My Tribeca Limited has 68000 miles and is doing the exact thing. My repair shop won't fix it. They say the dealer shop is the only place to do this repair and lots of $$$$. So sad I though getting a Subaru was a smart investment:(
 
#8 ·
The 5EAT in the tribeca is one of the most durable transmission out there. That said, there can always be an issue.

You have code P1710?

Yes, have the dealer troubleshoot and verify. If that is in deed the code, you only need the valve body, which you could harvest off a junker. You'll need a good independent repair place to do that.
 
#10 ·
I have the exact same problem on a GEN 5 2010 Liberty (Legacy) GT.

Only happens randomly but at very slow speeds & when i back off throttle & then gently accelerate. Transmission seems to neutralise then bangs into gear. As you say its that harsh it feels like someone has run into the back of the car. For me the fault codes dont come up when the transmission bangs. They just come up randomly ever since the problem started.

The manual points to the Turbine speed sensor 2. Did you try changing that first?

And where the heck is this speed sensor? is in external or do i need to take the pan off?
 
#13 · (Edited)
#15 ·
The sensor (#2) is hardwired to the valve body. There is a #1 speed sensor that I believe can be replaced, but that's not the one that is having issue here.

Although it might be replacable, I haven't heard of anyone doing it. They few people that seem to have this issue replace the entire valve body.
 
#17 ·
valve body replacement

Hey guys,
I'm having the same problems as already discussed. Tried changing the fluid and the filter with no success. The tranny is still skipping into 2nd to 3rd gear and the rpms are running higher than usual. I've taken it to the Sub dealership and after getting the runaround for a week they said the same thing, p1710 pops up and the valve body needs replaced. They want to charge $1800 for the part and labor. Is this reasonable or should I knock it out myself? Anyone know of a reliable place to buy a new valve body online. I've seen them called throttle valve body in places for $200, are they different parts?
Been out of a car for three weeks now and just want to get it fixed. Thank you
 
#34 ·
Hey guys,
I'm having the same problems as already discussed. Tried changing the fluid the rpms are running higher than usual. Thank you
Hello:
I have same code, at 3750 rpms my speedometer is about 75 mph....
Is this normal.?seems too fast my outback is way slower at same speed.

Thanks
Dean
 
#18 ·
I've had a great conversation with my mechanic about all this. Just so you know that a throttle valve body is NOT what you want! Its a totally different thing. You just want a valve body.It comes with a computer or not. I found one at a Transmission shop ( Transtar Industries in Boise Idaho). I haven't ordered it yet. Waiting tell I have the money. But I was Quoted $650.00. And my mechanic said he would install it for around $100.00.
 
#19 ·
I also have that code P1710. No issues with the gears or skipping gears. And goes into 5th gear with no issues... Also all the lights come off after I drove it for a day. Could it be a sensor or an issue with AT oil temp not being cooled.... Very thing works great and smooth. Please let me know what this could be... Also what's the best oil for 08 Tribeca... With 146k on it
 
#20 ·
Seems to be a common problem on all models with 5EAT circa 2005 - 2009

I think a lot of people with the affected Subaru models are having the same issue, so hopefully my account can help others avoid costly misdiagnosis and any sleepless nights worrying about a transmission replacement!

This is the only forum that I have found that has correctly diagnosed the problem based on similar conclusions reached by a mechanic in Japan who blogged about his own experience.

My experience:
I have a JDM 2008 Subaru Exiga GT, same 2.0 turbo charged engine and 5EAT as the JDM Legacy GT.

The same transmission is also used on Tribecas and Outbacks as the list below shows.

B9 Tribeca 3.0L 5 AWD 2006-2009 5EAT
Exiga 2.0L 4 FWD/AWD 2008-2011 5EAT
Impreza 2.0/2.5L 5 AWD 2011 5EAT
Legacy GT 2.5 / 3.0L 5 AWD 2005-2011 5EAT
Outback 2.5XT / 3.0R 2.5 / 3.0L 5 AWD 2005-2011 5EAT
Tribeca 3.9/3.6L 5 AWD 2006-2011 5EAT

If you search for 5EAT shift problems by the various models, you will pick up threads in other forums all exhibiting the similar intermittent problem of a hard shift (most commonly the 2nd to 3rd shift) that feels like the car has been hit from the rear.

In my case, the car has 130,000km (80,000miles) and it started exhibiting the hard shift few weeks ago while operating in "i" mode (Eco).

Just completely out-of-the-blue while coasting in traffic at low speed low rpm, "bang!" It felt like the car was rear-ended but the car continued forward, without any problems.

No check engine lights, no AT Oil lights, no nothing and the car continued to operate normally for a week and then the same thing, similar situation - low speed, low rpm another "bang!".

It took me a few times to realise that it was a transmission shift problem and it only occurred in the 2-3 shift under those specific circumstances.

The puzzling thing with this problem was that it could not be replicated as many have experienced. It only occurred intermittently and usually the engine is well and truly warmed-up, it would never happen in the first trip on cold mornings, but the second trip coming back from an outing.

As the car seemed to be operating fine 99% of the time, I had the transmission oil flushed as the transmission fluid was admittedly overdue for a change and it had lost its red tinge.

ATF
Yes - there are plenty of forum discussions about how only the Subaru ATF-HP should be used, and that this is the only way to avoid any shift problems.

For the record, Subaru ATF-HP is manufactured by Idemitsu, and is identical to Idemitsu ATF-HP.

https://www.idemitsulubricants.com/idemitsu/atf/type-hp

And the other issue that seems to comes up is, the difference between Subaru ATF and Subaru ATF-HP. There does appear to have been a time when the these two types were available, but as far as I can tell only the Subaru ATF-HP is available now. Idemitsu site also only shows the ATF-HP.

The Japanese owners manual only specifies Subaru ATF-HP, but interestingly the North American market version of the Legacy owners manual lists several alternatives as below:

Castrol Transmax J
Penzoil ATF-J

https://carmanuals2.com/subaru/legacy-2005-owner-s-manual-88533

You can check the Specifications from the oil company sites, and they will list these oils as being suitable for Subaru ATF. (No mention of "HP" but the specs are similar to the Idemitsu ATF-HP information)

I am currently using Havoline ATF-J after the transmission flush.

https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=260823&docFormat=PDF

Changing the fluid seemed to have fixed the problem, however I was disheartened to find that the problem re-appeared a week later but this time it was a very gentle thump, and not a violent bang as before. Again I was driving in "i" mode.

I could have lived with the gentle thump but back to the drawing board. Because the car seems to be operating fine 99% of the of the time, I found it hard to accept that there was a serious failure in the transmission itself.

I assumed that as there were no error codes, the solenoids, sensors, and switches on the valve body must be all fine, so decided to focus on the transmission fluid/pressures controlling the shift changes.

Remote AT filter

One thing that is common to all of the models with the 5EAT but not mentioned in the owners manuals is the existence of a remote AT filter mounted well away from the transmission itself. I only knew that it was on the car because I had to replace the left headlight bulb recently and had to access that area through the front left tyre well.



If you look up Subaru AT filter, you will find videos on how to replace this remote filter. However, the consensus is that this filter is very unique, and you should only replace it with the genuine Subaru AT filter.

Although it looks like a spin-on engine oil filter, the valve mechanism inside the filter is very different from any engine oil filter.

It is manufactured for Subaru by Tokyo Roki
Oil Filters - tokyo roki co.,ltd. en

In the Japanese owners manual, the service intervals for ATF replacement on models fitted with the 5EAT is only 40,000km(25,000miles)! The interval for the 4 speed version 4EAT is 100,000km like most other Japanese cars.

It is believed this remote AT filter should also be replaced at the same interval, although there is no documentation indicating this.

The lack of awareness on the need to replace the ATF and this remote filter at such short intervals is probably the reason for everyone's woes.

I went to the local Subaru dealer, and paid an extortionist amount for a single genuine AT filter. You can get them on ebay for around US$30 but this was a case of accept no substitute.

Unlike engine oil filters, the Subaru AT filters have a recommended torque setting of 12-16Nm printed on the filter. Sure enough, I found it incredibly hard to remove the filter from the confined space behind the battery on my car, and when I did get it off, it was completely filthy and definitely needed replacement.

With the clean AT filter on, I had my fingers crossed that everything was back to normal but a week later "bang". The violent shift was back.

Most people probably would have given up at this point, and just replaced the valve body but I realised, the shift was gentle before the AT filter change but now back to violent with the new filter....my stupid mistake!

When I pulled the old filter off, I only collected around 200mL (0.2 quart) of dirty oil, so I stupidly only put the same amount back in.

It turns out that when I checked the ATF with the engine warmed up, and running, and just after moving the gear selector through all the positions, the fluid level was very low and I immediately put in 800mL (0.8 quart) to take the fluid to the appropriate level.

Fingers crossed, and this seems to have resolved the problem for now. I am now only driving the car in S or S# mode to hold onto the gears longer and avoid unnecessary low speed upshifts associated with the hard shift timing.

I am hoping that in my case, the Turbine Speed Sensor No.2 is still operating correctly.

The 5EAT Service manual indicates that the AT Oil light on the dashboard will flash in the event of any failure of the solenoids, switches, and sensors on the valve body. The P code mentioned in this thread also narrows that down specifically to the Turbine Speed Sensor No.2 in the valve body.

For reference: Subaru 5EAT Service manual

http://www.voisin.ch/subaru/docs_techniques/2008_impreza_wrx_&_sti_manuel_atelier/mechanism_&_function_(all_2008_models)/automatic_transmission_(from_'08my)_(5at).pdf

For reference: Parts breakdown of 5EAT.

http://www.alltranz.co.nz/catalogues/pdf/523

As it is mentioned in the previous posts, the valve body replacement is unnecessary if you can manage to obtain the Turbine Speed Sensor No.2, however it seems Subaru initially did not offer the sensors, solenoids, and switches separately necessitating the replacement of the entire valve body.

For reference: Labelled photo of the 5EAT valve body.



Note that Turbine Speed Sensor No.1 is located on the outside of the transmission. No.2 is located on the valve body and sits in the ATF.

For reference(in Japanese but with photos):

Japanese mechanic who blogged about his battles with Subaru in Japan to get them to initiate a recall. His car only has 60,000km (37,000miles) on the clock.

https://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/631409/blog/37139904

He claims that the part number for the valve body has been changed 5 times, suggesting that Subaru is aware of the problem and has been trying to fix the problem. Later versions should be less prone to this problem occurring.

He points to the number "3" stamped on the replacement valve body, compared to the "1" that was removed from his car, and despite the cost of the replacement valve body, the car is driving better than it has ever done before.

He states that Subaru's position in Japan is that there are not enough documented cases to initiate a recall. However, he has heard that they are now offering the Turbine Speed Sensor No.2 as an individual replacement part. (but charging around half the cost of the entire valve body)

If you can source a replacement Turbine Speed Sensor No.2, or if necessary a replacement valve body, the time required to replace it should not be much more than a standard AT transmission fluid service - the valve body and the sensor is immediately accessible by removing the transmission pan.

Lastly:
The Exiga GT's seems especially affected by the problem.

Here's a forum in Singapore (in English) where they parallel import JDM models, and there are many like this in Japanese Forums.

Everyone seems to ultimately end up coughing up for the entire valve body. I guess it's quick and easy for the garage doing the repairs...

gear jerk when shifting up - Subaru Exiga/Exiga GT - Subaru Club SG
 
#21 ·
2007 Legacy Valve Body Problem

Hi all,

I have a 2007 Subaru Legacy and I am also experiencing the same problems being discussed in this thread. It started with the Engine Light coming on one morning with the car being stuck in Sport mode. The S light keeps blinking. While driving there would be intermittent rough shifts between 2nd to 3rd gear. Using tiptronic only helps sometimes. A few seconds after a very rough shift the AT Temp light starts flashing and the gear reads -. I usually pull aside, switch off and restart in order to get the AT Temp light off. Most times I need to wait for about 5 minutes before driving again in order to not get the rough shifts immediately.
A scan shows a P1710 code however when checked by my mechanic he identified that the 2nd-3rd solenoid is the source of the problems as the speed sensors were working. I changed fluid and filter in July of this year. I have had no luck with being able to find the solenoid to purchase. A new valve body costs around $9000 TT. I'm therefore trying to explore all options before purchasing a new valve body.

Can anyone please advise on perhaps where I can get the solenoid to purchase or what may be the best fix based on your experiences?
 
#22 ·
No.2 Turbine Speed Sensor replacement

Hi. Just to give you an update with my own vehicle.

Previously, I had no warning lights or error codes so I was hoping for the best...

Shortly after my post, the warning lights finally came on and the car went into safe mode/limp home mode.

This is indicated by the AT Temp light flashing and the gear selection reads " - ".
Same as your situation. In this mode, the transmission is locked in 3rd to get you to where you need to go.

I checked for error codes and finally P1710 bingo!

If you are getting this code, it is definitely the No.2 turbine speed sensor as explained in my previous post.

It is a known problem part and over time the original seals on the sensor degrade as it is sitting in hot AT fluid. Newer versions of this sensor has improved seals and material protecting the internal components.

I was fortunate enough to find an experienced local Subaru mechanic who was well aware of this problem, but not only that, knew that since earlier this year, the No.2 turbine speed sensor became an available part on its own, and had them in stock.

There were several other cars at his workshop which had recently been repaired for the same problem.

In my case just the speed sensor itself cost NZD$300, a tenth of the cost of a new complete valve body.

Unfortunately to fit the sensor, you have to drain the AT fluid to access the valve body so I ended up having to replace the AT fluid again. That cost NZD$200.
Add couple of hours labour and all up it cost around NZ$700.

The car is back to normal and has been driving fine since.

For reference a brand new valve body retails for JPY 200,000. Approx. US$2000.
I was quoted NZD$3000 by a parts importer in New Zealand.

https://jp-carparts.com/subaru/partlist.php?maker=subaru&car_baseid=F18007&type=B13&cartype=027&fig_id=182

It's effectively the same part for all the different Subaru models with the 5 speed Auto.
So the price is the about the same.

I hope that helps!
 
#23 ·
Hi. Just to give you an update with my own vehicle.

Previously, I had no warning lights or error codes so I was hoping for the best...

Shortly after my post, the warning lights finally came on and the car went into safe mode/limp home mode.

This is indicated by the AT Temp light flashing and the gear selection reads " - ".
Same as your situation. In this mode, the transmission is locked in 3rd to get you to where you need to go.

I checked for error codes and finally P1710 bingo!

If you are getting this code, it is definitely the No.2 turbine speed sensor as explained in my previous post.

It is a known problem part and over time the original seals on the sensor degrade as it is sitting in hot AT fluid. Newer versions of this sensor has improved seals and material protecting the internal components.

I was fortunate enough to find an experienced local Subaru mechanic who was well aware of this problem, but not only that, knew that since earlier this year, the No.2 turbine speed sensor became an available part on its own, and had them in stock.

There were several other cars at his workshop which had recently been repaired for the same problem.

In my case just the speed sensor itself cost NZD$300, a tenth of the cost of a new complete valve body.

Unfortunately to fit the sensor, you have to drain the AT fluid to access the valve body so I ended up having to replace the AT fluid again. That cost NZD$200.
Add couple of hours labour and all up it cost around NZ$700.

The car is back to normal and has been driving fine since.

For reference a brand new valve body retails for JPY 200,000. Approx. US$2000.
I was quoted NZD$3000 by a parts importer in New Zealand.

https://jp-carparts.com/subaru/part...baseid=F18007&type=B13&cartype=027&fig_id=182

It's effectively the same part for all the different Subaru models with the 5 speed Auto.
So the price is the about the same.

I hope that helps!

Thank you for this. I was about to take my car to get the solenoids checked in the morning so this helps a lot. I will post an update once I get it sorted out.
 
#25 ·
Another update - not so good for people outside Japan or those who have already paid to fix the problem...

Subaru in Japan is now offering an extended warranty to cover the turbine speed sensor issue. Similar approach as the one they have taken with the CVT transmission issues.

Not a full recall but if your car is diagnosed with the problem, they are carrying out the turbine sensor harness assembly replacement free of charge in Japan for all vehicles covered by the extended warranty period. 5year 100,000km for brand new cars, 9 year unlimited kms for existing cars, if older than 9years, 1 year warranty from the date of the letter.

https://www.subaru.co.jp/press/other/2018_06_21_5992/

It is dated 21st of June.
Covering Japanese market models:
2006-2014 Legacies/Outbacks, 2008-2015 Exigas, 2009-2014 Imprezas, and 2010-2012 Foresters. Total 55,000 cars.
(Note the Tribeca was not sold in Japan)

Here is a guy in Japan who recently had the free replacement work done.

https://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/700241/car/596743/5019001/note.aspx

He's circled the control unit but the actual fault is with the black sensor at the lower left of the photo.



The fact that Subaru has issued this extended warranty in Japan may allow owners in the markets outside Japan to push to have the same deal!

Regarding the part number itself, sorry once the car was fixed, I never bothered to ask the mechanic but...

The Japanese warranty repair work invoice states SN1861 Harness replacement.
The part reference is HARNESS SUB ASSY

This Russian youtube clip shows the numbers Z6J15-004 on the sensor itself. I had no luck searching this number but it must be the OEM part number - Not the Subaru part number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA7Z7CHyZwA

I will keep digging for the official Subaru part number...
 
#27 ·
Yes. That’s correct. The part circled in your photo is the turbine speed sensor 2.

This link below is a Russian website but you can see lots of photos of the removal process.

https://www.drive2.ru/l/480790322499027107/

There are also YouTube videos out there.

Once the sensor is accessible, they cut the wires and splice in the new one if you have access to just a replacement sensor.

If you have the sensor with the wiring harness, you remove the old one by unplugging all the connectors and put the new one on.

There seem to be two main variants of the valve bodies. Earlier 700 series and the later 400/600series. Judging by your photo yours is the 700 series type and matches the one in the link above.

The speed sensor on this series has two circular shapes and has a rectangular profile. The other type has one circular shape and a more square profile.


My car has the sensor with the square profile.

I managed to find an aftermarket supplier of the square profile sensor below.

ROLLOUT-SPEED SENSOR-SUBARU 5EAT 5SPEED - LINESOON

Subaru Japan is offering the sensor with the wiring harness.

The official part number for this will turn up sooner or later...
Thank you for the links.

I pulled down my oil pan over the weekend all set to replace the speed sensor using the one from the valve body in the picture I sent earlier. To my surprise, my valve body was actually very different from what I thought it was all along. Please see the picture attached. As such, do you have a procedure for identifying the speed sensor in this valve body?
 

Attachments

#33 · (Edited)
You can also see the full 360degree view of your valve body on this site.

https://akpp.com.ua/gidravlitcheskiy-blok-upravleniya-akpp-5eat

That single sensor on the top is the one that seems to cause all the problems...
I think based on the 360 view from the previous post the sensor is on the other side of the valve body so the valve body must be removed to replace the sensor? Pretty sure that is correct.

Here is another seller of the sensor in the U.S. There is also a picture of the sensor location which would confirm it is on the other side from the filter so removal of the valve body would be necessary.

https://xemodex.com/us/product/turbine-speed-sensor-2-for-subaru/

Youtube video on changing transmission filter also confirms it is on the other side...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPbhP7TDARU

Final youtube video on similar transmission and removal of the valve body with sensor on other side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt4qPLhzZCY

After seeing this, I am understanding why Subaru doesn't want to do this as a separate part. You have the valve body already out and you are racking up the labor hours anyway. Might as well just replace the valve body assembly with new electronics vs. trying to solder the replacement in.

Let me know if I have this wrong. I was contemplating replacing the sensor myself if it was on the outside. I don't have a lift, time, or a backup plan so removing valve bodies and soldering in electronics is probably a step further than I would be willing to go.

Thanks
 
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