My turn for a weird Subaru problem

Took delivery a couple hours ago on what was going to be the donor to get my '97 Impreza running again. A '92 Legacy, FWD, auto, EJ22. I bought it knowing the transmission was likely toast (had it towed home) with the sole intention of putting the engine and some suspension goodies onto the '97. However, when they put it on the flatbed, we learned that it will run and drive in low when it's cold, but nothing at operating temp.

I haven't had a chance to mess with it much since we got it just before dark, but figured I'd ask for input here to get headed in the right direction. If it's an easy fix, then my super rusty '93 Impreza will become the donor and the Legacy would be a DD.

Just to be sure: this has had the transmission oil level/condition checked? If not, do a fluid/filter change, and see if the in-op status changes. If it DOES change (hope on, hope ever! ), try driving it for a few days and see what shows up for leaks/oil level loss in the tranny. If the level stays okay, maybe you got the deal of the century!

OTOH, if it drops, fix the (hopefully) obvious problem, and move on. I personally hope it's just a matter of cooked oil, not doing what it's intended to do.

The level has been checked while it's cold, but that's it. Will try flushing the transmission, hopefully this weekend. Thanks!

Check the differential dipstick for evidence of ATF and the trans dipstick for evidence of gear oil. Sometimes they mix. You gotta keep 'em seperated.

I just checked them and the diff smells like old gear oil and the trans smells like old atf. Thanks for the input. It's very solid with just a bit of rust on the rear wheel arches, I would love to throw a fluid and filter change at it and have another solid Subaru. But either way, I'm not losing anything, it was originally bought for the engine, brakes and suspension bits.

Jed (Morbid's hubby)