I have a 1992 Subaru Legacy 2.2L station wagon. Recently it started acting like it was getting stuck in neutral. The RPMs would rev up but the car wouldn't go forward. We did some research and found out it was either the vehicle speed sensor or the transmission control module. Our problem now is we have no idea where either of those are. We've searched under the car a couple of times now and can't seem to find the wiring harness that goes into the transmission. Can anyone help us? All the books and help sites we've looked at say its on the transaxle but where on the transaxle? Which side of the car? I know this is probably a dumb question but I miss my car!

Pics I have found on this show the Vss1 at the back of the trans on the rear cover section on the drivers side lower than the drive shaft.

 

Hush

The TCU (transmission control unit) is under the steering. It's bolted to the bottom of the dash, and the skinny side will be facing you when you see it. It's right under the steering wheel. The connections will be facing the floor for it.

 

The ECU (Engine control unit) is located to the left of the TCU, and is harder to see and is buried in wire, so most likely you will have to "dig" a little bit to find it.

 

Also I would search for "FSM" on here or in google. I found the FSM manual and downloaded it as it contains all sorts of diagnostic tests for the transmission. They shouldn't be too hard to find. I believe the user 'Legacy777' has them on his site. Also checkout legacycentral, as they might have links to the fsm.

 

Hope that helps!

Thank you very much! This was very helpful! Locating the fsm now.

since you say you think it the trans control unit i assume it is an auto trans.

 

i don't think a slipping auto trans is caused by the TCU. check the fluid level. heck, do a drain and fill to change the fluid.

 

if the TCU fails the trans should go into limp mode, third gear only and locked 4WD if it is an AWD car.

 

EDIT: if your trans is a FWD it could be a busted axle / half shaft. this would allow the busted axle to spin and the other one to just sit there.

Edited July 2, 201114 yr by johnceggleston