I'm getting a code #33 (vehicle speed sensor) on my '92 Legacy.

The gear in the transmission that turns the cable going to the speedometer is shot & since fixing it would require pulling the transmission, I'm using a GPS as my speedometer.

How can I fool the ECU into thinking the VSS is good? If I simply clear the code, it comes right back on.

 

Thanks,

Dan

Are you sure it is actually the gear and not the cable for speedo itself. I've had the do some funky stuff when the speedo is going bad.

Are you sure it is actually the gear and not the cable for speedo itself.

 

No, it's the gear. I wish it was just the cable! With the cable disconnected, the slotted shaft at the end of the gear (that the cable assy. fits into) spins freely (car not moving). And doesn't spin when the car moves slowly. Appearently there was a problem with the cable binding and that caused the plastic gear that fits down inside the trans. to strip out.

Howdy Dan,

I currently have the same problem only a bit worse.

 

My 97 is OBD II and will not pass IM inspection as a

result of the drive gear being knackered.

(CEL on)

 

Here is a webside with the best solution I have found.

 

VSS signal generator

 

Magnets on the DOJ with a reed switch have been used but..

This method uses a better set up

to produce the square wave

(Hall effect switch output) that the ECU is looking for.

 

Good luck, PM me if you want to compare notes.

Skip

Not to mention if you have AWD, it will not operate unless both VSS are operational.

 

nipper

Is your 92 AT or MT?

Is your 92 AT or MT?

 

It's AT and FWD.

To be accurate it is in the diff, not the tranny

no less daunting though.

 

Thanks for the nice picture Skip.

The gear is probably fine. The problem is probably this base piece. It's fairly common for the shaft to break.

 

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru/images/speedocablebase.jpg

The gear is probably fine. The problem is probably this base piece. It's fairly common for the shaft to break.

 

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru/images/speedocablebase.jpg

 

if it is the gear in the diff, i'd replace the cable to the speedo and other parts as well. something caused the failure, i'd hate to go through the process of front diff removal only to have it fail again.

 

but as 777 said it could be the piece pictured, and thats easy to check.

The gear is probably fine. The problem is probably this base piece. It's fairly common for the shaft to break.

[/url]

When I hooked a cordless drill up to that base piece, the speedometer worked, so that part was fine. As I say though, the slotted part in the diff. that turns the base piece spins freely when the car is not moving and doesn't spin when it is.

I did the same test, same results.

 

It's either the gear or the shaft/gear that turns the slot in the

VSS fitting hole.

 

Been told they should be replaced as a set.

 

Local Suby tranny gruru says he's seen this mainly on

cars used to deliver mail or newpapers??

 

 

Funny - mine was used to deliver our "Pennysavers".

 

I did score a bunch of rubber bands from under the seats -LOL

 

Note: I did not mention this before he told me the above.

If you go with some sort of subsitute for the VSS sensor, make sure the subitute puts out the same amount of pulses per revolution, otherwise it may not work.

 

nipper

What is involved in replacing the shaft/gear? i HAVE A 95 LEGACY AT with AWD. I damaged the gear when removing the side cover to replace the leaking axle seal. I had to drill it out and cut it because it was oxidized to the diff case. I would have left the seal leak but thought it would have been easir than it was.

Are you talking about the plastic gear inside the differential? To replace it, you need to take apart the front diff to get at everything, at least that's my understanding.