2008 Subaru Outback Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Select Cable: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Subaru Outback and 2007 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Set the vehicle on a lift.
  2. Shift the select lever to "N" range.
  3. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery.
  4. Lift the vehicle.
  5. Remove the front, center and rear exhaust pipes and the muffler. (SOHC and DOHC non-turbo model)
    • SOHC MODEL <Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Exhaust Pipe .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Center Exhaust Pipe .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Muffler .>
    • DOHC 3.0 L model <Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Exhaust Pipe .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Muffler .>
  6. Remove the center and rear exhaust pipes and the muffler. (DOHC turbo model) <Ref. to REMOVAL , Center Exhaust Pipe .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Rear Exhaust Pipe .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Muffler .>
  7. Remove the heat shield cover.
    Fig 1: Identifying Heat Shield Cover
    G05019661Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the snap pin and washer from range select lever.
    • 4AT
      Fig 2: Identifying Range Select Lever Snap Pin And Washer - 4AT
      G05341819Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    • 5AT
      Fig 3: Identifying Range Select Lever Snap Pin And Washer - 5AT
      G05341820Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove the plate assembly from the transmission case.
    • 4AT
      Fig 4: Identifying Plate Assembly - 4AT
      G05341821Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    • 5AT
      Fig 5: Identifying Plate Assembly - 5AT
      G05341822Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Disconnect the cable from arm assembly.
    Fig 6: Identifying Cable And Arm Assembly
    G05341823Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Raise the claw of clamp to remove the cable from bracket.
    Fig 7: Identifying Claw Of Clamp
    G05341824Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  12. Remove the select cable from plate assembly.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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