Was changing my right rear wheel bearing on my 03 Forester the other day (replaced left side previously).

 

Found lockwashers between the tone wheel and the hub?  Bolt to hold ABS sensor was replaced with a self tapping screw and the ABS sensor was JB welded into the backing plate.  I tried removing the sensor but no luck.  Fortunately I was changing the brake back plate and just disconnected the ABS sensor underneath the rear seat.  Drove for a couple of days with the ABS light on (sensor not connected).  When I got the Backing plate/ABS sensor out I noticed the sensor was bent.

 

Ordered a new sensor and installed it with no issues.  Now everything is right on the dash (no nagging lights).

 

I inherited this car from my son and it had an Airbag light, Check Engine Light and Oil light at idle.  Fixed all those and got the Bluetooth working on the radio he installed.  Also connected the Blue Power Antenna wire to power the antenna booster (radio antenna in window).  I really hate driving cars with idiot lights on!

Edited August 11, 20178 yr by Mike104

Good job fixing all those little nagging problems. Can you make a house call to Indianapolis to work on my car? I have a continual problem with CEL relating to replacing the gas tank filler tube. I have repeatedly tightened up all hoses and lines, and new gas cap, but CEL will continue to come back on.

My '05 forester has the same fuel-fill tube problem.

I made the diagnosis 100% sure by gutting an old gas cap, affixing a piece of hose to it, put it on the car, and blew smoke from a cigar (from my mouth) into the hose, and watched where the smoke came out.

 

Just keep the cigar/cigarette etc well away from the car... get a mouthfull from away a bit then go to the car.

My check engine light was an evap code and a misfire.  The misfire was fixed by a used coil and I replaced the Valve back by the charcoal cannister to fix the evap code

My '05 forester has the same fuel-fill tube problem.

I made the diagnosis 100% sure by gutting an old gas cap, affixing a piece of hose to it, put it on the car, and blew smoke from a cigar (from my mouth) into the hose, and watched where the smoke came out.

 

Just keep the cigar/cigarette etc well away from the car... get a mouthfull from away a bit then go to the car.

Brilliant idea using smoke to locate the problem. I will try that!!!!

My '05 forester has the same fuel-fill tube problem.

I made the diagnosis 100% sure by gutting an old gas cap, affixing a piece of hose to it, put it on the car, and blew smoke from a cigar (from my mouth) into the hose, and watched where the smoke came out.

 

Just keep the cigar/cigarette etc well away from the car... get a mouthfull from away a bit then go to the car.

 

So where did the smoke come out?

Top of the filler tube behind where it comes thru the fender.

 

I could not believe the amount of salty dirt that was trapped behind the plastic cover!