5EAT hesitation w/ SI drive

Hey all, I drove a 2007 Outback XT this past weekend as a potential car to buy. This car was equipped with the Si Drive system, versus other legacy GT and OBXT's I had driven prior were either 06 or 05 so didn't have that option to pick, but all were 5EAT.

The seller older women, who's retired and she admits she didn't really use the "sporty knob" so she couldn't really help me with my questions, but said she would have he mechanic look at it over the week.

I checked the transmission fluid, it was on the low side and bit dark, so needs to be replaced soon, but not so bad that I felt it wasn't drivable... I initially drove around in Intelligent mode, and felt that the car had hesitation to shift between gears. Almost as if it wasn't sure if it wan't to shift just yet, really noticeable/hesitant switching from 1st to 2nd less so from 2nd to 3rd. Then I switched it into sport mode and the feeling of hesitation of whether to shift or not subsided some, yet still felt slower than some of the other 5EAT's I had driven. But I was doing all this driving on like 25-40mph roads, so I went to go find myself some highway, and when I did... I started off with sport sharp, which did awesome it was like a different car. Then put it into sport and the car felt just about as quick. But then back into Intelligent mode, I floored it from the on ramp onto the highway 1st to 2nd still an elongated shift, but the rest went fine.


So is Intelligent just suppose to feel like complete poop compared to a '06-05 w/o Si drive?

Having never driven an LGT w/o Si Drive, or an AT LGT, I'd say... probably. My 5MT in I-Mode feels like relative feces.

Originally Posted by argyle409

So is Intelligent just suppose to feel like complete poop compared to a '06-05 w/o Si drive?

Yes. "I" mode actually lowers the boost targets and calls for earlier shift points. The max available HP in I-mode is closer to a 2.5i. You can only get full power in S or S#.

I-mode: Gas mileage optimized for stop and go traffic
S-mode: Normal (what you're used to)
S#: Video game mode. Holds gear to redline, downshifts instantly, etc. Throttle response is multiplied approximately 2x.

Originally Posted by RabidWombat

Yes. "I" mode actually lowers the boost targets and calls for earlier shift points. The max available HP in I-mode is closer to a 2.5i. You can only get full power in S or S#.

I-mode: Gas mileage optimized for stop and go traffic
S-mode: Normal (what you're used to)
S#: Video game mode. Holds gear to redline, downshifts instantly, etc. Throttle response is multiplied approximately 2x.

I first thought it was a bigger issue like something with the tranny as the fluid was dark colored and low, but this explantion really helped! Looks like I'll be returning this weekend to pick up the car

Anyone know if the Intelligent mode reduces power in the 3.0R model?

Originally Posted by dsickles

Anyone know if the Intelligent mode reduces power in the 3.0R model?

As far as what it feels like, absolutely. If I put mine in I, the shifts are slower, lower in the RPM range, and it feels like I am driving the NA 2.5L. There is definitely a difference between the modes. My experience is as follows:

I = Slower driving conditions where quick acceleration is not going to be needed.

S = My primary mode, handles all situations well. Upshifts happen much higher in the rev range.

S# = The "get up and go mode". If I hammer it, this mode will hold gear until redline, and it's pretty quick to shift.