The Speedometer in my '99 Outback Wagon is intermittently inoperative and I believe it's the speedometer head that's defective (no computer codes set). Does anyone know of a repair shop that repairs speedo heads, or know where I could find a used speedo for an automatic trans '99 Outback?

I ordered mine from 1stsubaruparts. Less than $100 IIRC. I don't know if a junkyard will sell you a used speedo head, but they would surely have one.

 

The speedo head part number for a 99obw with 2.5 and auto tranny is 85020AC330.

Not answering your question, really, but my 99 OBW had the same problem - occassionally the speedo would just register zero, even though I was doing ~65 MPH. Mine was indeed the head, as indicated by the fact that the cruise control had no problem. Replaced the head and the problem went away.

 

Also, note that in some states (Massachusetts, for example) there are laws about indicating the mileage when you replace the odometer. The shop that did mine put it on the frame of the driver's door. YMMV.

 

Good luck!

Charles

I set the odometer on the new head to match the one I removed. We lived with the problem for a couple of years at least, so the mileage is probably a bit higher than the 161k miles that is currently shows. I talked to the service manager at the local dealer, and he said there was no way to get the actual mileage out of the computer system, so WYSIWYG. It's very likely that the actual mileage is in the OBDII system somewhere, he just doesn't know how to get it.

I also ordered my 99 OBW speedo head from 1stsubaruparts.com out of Auburn, WA (best price on-line). The price at the time of order (August 2004) was $106.46 plus $6.95 shipping, but still less than the dealership wanted. Since my son replaced it in about 20 minutes (after great instructions from member 99OBW--see previous threads on this subject), we also saved on the installation cost and the tax on the part and the installation---a total savings of approx. $175. I've kept a record of the mileage on the original speedo head, and will just add it to the new mileage reading whenever the car is inspected. I'd opt for a new speedo head.