Founts' MY10 Forester X Columbia

Like a few others I’ve been a long term reader of the forum but have never really got around to posting anything. So I’ll try and make a few posts of small modifications.
I’ve wanted a Forester for years and back in January I finally picked one up.
I got a 2010 MY10 X Columbia. It’s one of the many special edition models Subaru did, basically a standard X with:
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Fog Lights
  • Thule Roof Racks
  • Rear Bumper Protector
  • Plastic Boot Tray
  • Columbia Boot Decal
The original owner had a Milford cargo barrier and Subaru towbar fitted too.
The Forester is mainly used for general driving (work commute), snow trips in winter and the occasional weekend away, but I'm looking to make the weekends a bit more adventurous.

So far…
External
Subaru Genuine Accessories - Headlight Covers, Bonnet Protector, and Front Mud Flaps
Window Tint
Subaru Genuine Rear Spoiler – Purchased from japanparts.com
GME TX3100 UHF Radio with Glass Mount Antenna (Previously had antenna mounted on Nudge Bar)
Portable TJM Air Compressor
MaxTrax and other recovery gear
12Pin Trailer Plug with Permanent and Switched 12v Connection for Camper Trailer
SubaExtreme Sump Guard (Black Powder coat)
ECB Polished Alloy Nudge Bar (Removed)

Interior
Subaru Genuine Accessories – Carpet and Rubber Floor Mats, Tweeter Kit, Front Footwall Illumination
Waeco Fridge Wiring to the boot

Future
Yokohama All Terrain AT/S or Michelin Latitude Cross Tyres
Subtle Solutions 1 inch Lift kit
Pod Trailer Kwik Kampa 2 – Camper Trailer
Pedders Suspension

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Hey Ratbag, Yeah I know, unfortunately I don't have any on my work computer. I'll post a few tonight when I get home.
 
I've got some images up in the original post, hope to get a few good ones over the long weekend.:ebiggrin:
 
Hi Founts,
curious as to why you removed the nudge bar. Did you have it fitted with the sump guard? Are the mount brackets still fitted to the Subi or did you remove these as well ? (Interested in getting one for the trouble and strifes XS)
Cheers
 
Hi Havachat,

I removed the nudge bar to fit the sump guard. The ECB mounts poke through two large holes cut in the plastic splash guard, I didn't want to hack into the new sump guard so it was easier to remove the whole thing.

Unfortunately, its already been sold through eBay. It also sat rather low at the front and took off a fair bit of ground clearance and approach angle.
 
Thanks Founts,
I thought there may be compatability issues with the sump guard. I was also wondering about the ground clearance/ approach angle so you have answered that as well !! I really want to put a bull bar on the SH as I have bars on both of my SGs, but the only bar for the SH that is half decent is the Subaxtreme which is hellishly expensive :(
 
I'll dig out the old splash guard from the shed and take a photo of the cut outs.

I'd be interested in another Nudge/Bull Bar, but can't justify the cost yet.
 
The subaxtreme nudge bar is compatible with the sump guard as you'd hope. the suba nudge bar is also designed in away that minimal ground clearance/approach angle is lost.
 
So I thought I'd put up a few images of the SubaXtreme sump guard, I know quite a few of you have them but anyway. I chose to get mine powder coated in black so it wouldn't stand out as much under the car.

I'm rather happy with the quality, but I immediately changed the washers as the ones supplied barely held the guard in place, let alone hold on if it gets knocked.

Getting everything ready.
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The new sump guard.
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The small washers.
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The old splash guard with the missing corners for the nudge bar.
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Also, with the long weekend in Melbourne, i took the opportunity to head out for a weekend camping in the High Country.

I set off from Melbourne, through Dargo, up to Mount Hotham, Harrietville and back to Melbourne via the Hume.

Had a great time, but with the weather and holiday, most of the camping spots were busy.

This was my first real chance to get the Forester dirty, and I'm amazed at how well it went. I took it up a few steep gravel sections, and even astounded a few guys in Land Cruisers and Patrols.

I'm sure it would be even more capable once I swap out the stock Bridgestones for something with a bit more grip.

Starting at the Dargo Hotel.
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Still nice and clean.
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Lunch by the Dargo River.
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Near Mount Hotham on the Dargo High Plains Road.
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Damn cheek of those 2 Landloosers parking next to your Foz! :iconwink:

I'm sure it would be even more capable once I swap out the stock Bridgestones for something with a bit more grip.
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Yep, some ATs will make a huge difference offroad
 
Hey Guys,

Haven't posted anything for a while, but thought I'd share a few things from the last few months.

After the last service my car developed a habit a reving excessively when I had the clutch down and still in gear, it would rev to 2500 and stay there for about 5 seconds then fall again. Not fun when your trying to pull into a parking space, also it would cut the throttle quickly when coasting causing the car to baulk.

Anyway, took it in to Subaru who charged $70 to inspect and road test it, but the couldn't diagnose a computer or mechanical problem and recommended I change the clutch!

So I told them to stuff it, the car has only done 60,000km and defiantly doesn't need a new clutch. Anyway, after doing a bit of research on forums, I found a set of instructions to follow after the battery has been disconnected.

https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/how-idle-re-learn-after-battery-disconnect-154161/

Followed these instructions to the letter and all problems have been solved.

Don't know how Subaru Docklands didn't think of trying this, and why there isn't any mention of it in the owners manual, but it worked a treat.

Also, I spent a little while looking around the japanparts.come website and found a dual console accessory for the Impreza, hopefully it fits on the MY10 Forester, to raise the armrest up to a comfortable height.

https://www.japanparts.com/db/parts...MAKER=&SEARCH_VOLKEY=317-114-043&SEARCH_page=

I'll take a few photos when it arrives and post an update.
 
Gidday Founts

Glad this fixed your problem/s, mate.

Some people do not seem to realise that the ECU (& etc) actively learn how the car is being driven, and adjust things accordingly. The OM for my '93 Impreza specifically mentioned this fact, but neither OM for our two Foxes does.

Apparently the TCM also "learns" how the 4EAT Sports auto is being driven too.

While it never happened with my Impreza, I can see how any of these systems could lose the plot. Power spike on reconnection of the battery, faulty alternator/charging system, etc - all possible culprits.

If these systems do lose the plot, they will blindly continue in that way until they are "re-taught" what the correct settings are; same as any other computer system ... .
It would appear logical that the methodology in the link you posted would allow the ECU (or whatever system is involved) to "re-train" itself to the correct settings, assuming that it has been programmed in firmware to do so (a fair assumption, IMO).
 
Great to hear you were able solve/fix your Subi's problems :)

Now come to think of it, I haven't reset mine (ECU) for a while.
Might do it at the w-end, if I get a chance; then I can drive it like I stole it for a week or so :twisted: :lildevil: :twisted:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
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