Occasionally, your Subaru vehicle may need maintenance or repair.
While this may be inconvenient, there are ways to help ensure all the needed work
is done correctly and on your first service visit. Accurate communication between
you and your Subaru Service Department is a critical step.
One of the roadblocks to accurate communication is the misunderstanding that can
occur when describing noises, smells, observations or movements that are not normal
in the operation of your vehicle. The following checklist gives symptoms, definitions
and descriptions that will assist you in communicating what you’ve heard, smelled,
seen or felt. Print a copy of this checklist and keep it in your vehicle’s
glove compartment with a pencil or pen. Should you experience a problem, use the
form to record the vehicle’s symptoms and accurately communicate them to your
Subaru Service Advisor and your Subaru Technician.
Does your vehicle produce any of these
sounds?
Noise
Description
Boom
Thunder, drum
Buzz
Low-pitched, like a bee
Chatter
Rapidly repeating metallic sound
Chirp
High-pitched, birdlike
Clang
Loud single metallic sound, not repetitive
Click
Ballpoint pen; depressing the keys on a computer keyboard
Grind
Abrasive; metal on metal
Growl
Low-pitched rumble
Hiss
Air escaping
Hum
Hummingbird; various pitches
Knock
Repetitive heavy sound; knocking on a door
Ping
High-pitched knock
Rattle
Marbles in a can
Roar
Deep, prolonged, like timpani
Rumble
Rolling thunder
Squeak
High-pitched; hinge that needs oil
Squeal
High-pitched, continuous
Tap
Light repetitive sound, similar to a click
Whine
High-speed electric motor
Whistle
Shrill, sharp tea kettle
Does your vehicle produce any of these odors?
Odor
Description
Antifreeze/coolant
Sweet odor
Electrical short
Acrid
Emissions
Sulfur, rotten eggs
Gasoline
Gasoline vapors
Oil
Heavy odor, usually accompanied by smoke
Overheated friction material
Burnt smell (brakes/clutch)
Overheating
Sweet smell accompanied by steam
Does your vehicle produce any of these
movements?
Feeling
Description
Brake fades
Feeling of losing stopping ability
Drifts
Slight, continuous movement to the side
Grabs
Sudden engagement of brakes when applied
Hesitation
Lack of response to gas pedal pressure
Low pedal
Unusual pedal travel before brakes engage
Play
Looseness, lack of response to steering wheel
Pulls
Moves sharply to the side
Shimmy
Rapid side to side
Spongy
Soft, unresponsive
Surge
Speeding up and slowing down with no gas pedal movement
Sway
Soft side-to-side movement
Vibration
Quick shaking feeling in seat or steering wheel
Does your vehicle produce any of these
visible signs?
Observation
Description
Axle grease leak
Heavy, dark stain/puddle
Antifreeze/coolant leak
Sweet smelling, greenish stain/puddle
Engine oil
Brown stain/puddle
Power steering fluid leak
Red oil stain/puddle
Smoke
Black, white, etc.
Check engine light
Steady, intermittent
Unusual gauge reading
Outside of “normal” range
What system of your Subaru seems to be
affected?
Engine
Transmission
Steering
Suspension
Brakes
Gauges & Controls
Heater/AC
Audio System
Body
Interior
Electrical System
Other
Can you tell what area of your Subaru
the symptom is coming from?
INTERIOR:
Front Left
Front Center
Front Right
Rear Left
Rear Center
Rear Right
Can you tell what area of your Subaru
the symptom is coming from?
EXTERIOR:
Front Left
Front Center
Front Right
Rear Left
Rear Center
Rear Right
When did you first notice the symptom(s)?
Since the vehicle was new
When the temperature is below _______ degrees
When the temperature is above _______ degrees
After my last gasoline fill-up
After I had my vehicle serviced
When does the symptom(s) occur?
All the time
When using the heater
Only when the engine is cold
When using the air conditioner
Only when the engine is at operating temperature
At engine idle
Intermittently (comes and goes)
Only when the brakes are applied
Only at ______ miles per hour
Only when turning
Only on acceleration
Only on deceleration
