Newbie looking for some repair advice

[lezan]

Hey guys..

New to this forum so pretty much wanted to intro myself and ask for some tips on fixing up my car atm. Ill also be honest, im not the most handy person and have very limited car knowledge so go easy on me
Have had a 98 Subary Liberty GX Silver Anni in AUTO for about 5 years now and have had some issues needing to be fixed for sometime now, so just after some advice for doing so.

I wanting to find out costs for fixing things up cos im planning to upgrade soon (not sure what car I want). Cars been great for all these years and only done 170k so very happy wit it

1. Driver seat door
- Doesn't seem to open with my key anymore as the lock may be jammed. I also have to enter through the passenger seat and then unlock the driver seat door from there.

2. Electronic Sunroof
- About 3 years back sunroof kept jamming so I could open it but it wouldn't close it unless i manually pulled it back which takes ages and is not an easy job. So my mechanic disconnected the wiring from the motor so no one can accidently open the sunroof and i've left it like that

3. Dint
- Dint in the side of the car near petrol tank just above bumper

if you need more detailed photos I can take some more

4. Remote Entry
LOST remote for keyless entry, where to buy new one? suby dealer?

Because I'm a noob, I pretty much wanted to know how I should go about getting these fixed, who to go to and what costs I might be expecting.

Any info would be really great, and if I've posted in the wrong section I do apologise and will request mods to move the thread.

Thanks in advance, look forward to the replies

[Dropz]

Welcome to the forum.

Some quick replies to give you a starting idea -

1. The lock my be jammed, or lock/key has worn too much and doesn't recognise it to be compatible, a locksmith is your best bet to sort this out. Other than that there may be a damaged linkage in the door, removing the door trim and a visual inspection would be useful here, if you don't know what you're looking at maybe get your local mechanic to have a look and see if they can diagnose an issue there, or confirm the fault is in the lock/key.

2. Sunroofs often fail, in many different ways. The cables can snap that move the glass, the gears in the motor can strip out, a connection in the switch/motor can wear out/ become contaminated and no longer have an electrical connection. A sunroof specialist or local mechanic should be able to remove the roof lining and diagnose further, but regardless the replacement part(s) will be costly here.

3. A panel shop should be able to beat the dent out, smooth it up and paint it for a couple hundred dollars, if you want a shot yourself then you will need to knock it out from inside the car by removing some trim pieces, bog it to get it smooth, then paint and clear coat it.

4. Have you checked the battery in the remote? it may just be flat and need replacing. There will probably be a screw holding the remote together, undo it and pry the remote apart. Other than that it will need testing further in the receiver, and then further, actuator operation. it may be easier/cheaper to install a cheap aftermarket system. they generally come with easy to follow instructions and you can grab a cheap central locking system from ebay, or jaycar or similar for $100 or under.

[Ric]

Great advice Karl, except I think you misread the last question

...4. Have you checked the battery in the remote? it may just be flat and need replacing. There will probably be a screw holding the remote together, undo it and pry the remote apart. Other than that it will need testing further in the receiver, and then further, actuator operation. it may be easier/cheaper to install a cheap aftermarket system. they generally come with easy to follow instructions and you can grab a cheap central locking system from ebay, or jaycar or similar for $100 or under.

The remote is LOST, not broken.

[lezan]

Sorry I edited the last bit to say Lost not broken, so Karl didn't misread I just wanted to rectify it for everyone.

Btw forgot to add that im in Melbourne, so if anyone knows any good places to get the sunroof checked out that'd be great cos my mechanic doesn't do it.

As for the locksmith, do i just call any regular one from the yellowpages? or r there specific ones for cars? sorry if dumb question

THanks for the advice btw

[Dropz]

You would need a genuine remote I would assume, so goto Subaru. Still it may be cheaper to install an aftermarket system.

Sunroof, look for a specialist otherwise Subaru can do it, but it will be very pricey, $1000+

Most locksmiths will do automotive and general. Phone up and ask the nearest one.

[lezan]

Thanks for the tips guys.. Im going to call some people locally for the lock, sunroof and dint. But wanted to ask you guys if you could recommend any aftermarket systems for the remote access to the central locking for the car replacement.

[Dropz]

Jaycar. Install it yourself Most have instructions, if not go through an auto electrician.