bg97leg

Sorry if I introduced confusion as to which VSS it is. The one that screws into the transmission from the oustside is the one that was bad on my car. I took a shot that it was this one, rather than the internal one. I drove my car for 2 months with the trans in fail safe mode, to no ill effects. It will only become a serious problem if the working VSS fails. It took all of 15 minutes to replace the external VSS and it cost about $70 from 1stsubaruparts. Local dealer wanted $90 + tax. If you take it to Autozone they'll pull the codes and there could be 2 or 3 related to this problem. I think the did identify the faulty VSS, plus it put out a low idle sensor code. These cleared when the VSS was replaced. Hope this helps. Good luck. Bill

Also, there are 2 VSS switches, the second one is internal to the trans (I think). Your trans is operating in fail safe mode. the second VSS is controlling the trans.

I had the same problem with my '97 legacy. It is the variable speed sensor (VSS) #1 switch. It is easy to get to. Mounted onto the outside of the transaxle case as you look down from the passenger side of the car. It was about $70 + shipping form 1stsubaruparts.com. One more thing. After replacing the switch, the engine needs to go through 3 stop/start cycles before the CEL clears. Hope this helps. Bill

Ok, but I don't want to go that way. I'm looking for a Subaru direct fit. Thanks. Bill

Hello, I have a 97 legacy with factory am/fm/wx/cd. Can someone tell me which other year/model factory radios are compatible with my harness? gracias. Bill

The AC in my 97 Legacy (2.2) has stopped working. The fuses are good. Where is the freon sight glass located? What should I check next? TIA. Bill

You should open a new thread on this. Also, there are a few good Subie techs over on http://www.gartland.com/subaru/ Good luck. Bill

It is common for the '97 2.2 to have the infamous piston slap noise. The engine is noisey when cold, when it reaches operating temperatures it quiets down. This is a normal condition. The half shafts usually start to get noisey around 100K. Flush the AT every 30K. These cars are totally sensor driven. When one of them (sensor) acts up, it can be a pain to diagnose and expensive to repair. look through the postings you will get a flavor for common problems on the 97/98 legacy 2.2 -- Bill

Nah, the CEL came on on startup and when I drove off the speedo wan't working. I'm wondering if the idle circuit wiring is an input to the VSS?

Hello all, I need some helping diagnosing a few problems with my 97 Legacy 2.2 w/AT. Problem 1, idle has been low. Now CEL came on and OBD2 indicates code P1507 - Idle speed Controller. At the same time the CEL came on - problem 2 occurred. Problem 2, speedo stopped working. I'm thinking this might be the result of a failure of one of the Variable speed sensors? Questions: is there any relationship between problem 1 & 2, are these really two different problems? Is the P1507 really the Idle Speed Controller or could it be something else? Any help appreciated. Thanks! Bill