My '99 O/B manual tranny is having intermittent problems at ~150k. I'd asked on another Subie board about it and was told to replace the VSS. It's cheap enough but darned near impossible to get at!
Unfortunately, I managed to pop off the top of the old sensor but not get it out. At this moment, it's at a local garage that specializes in Subarus. Unfortunately, the chief mechanic didn't know how to get it out. Even Vise Grips slide off the plastic sides. He called the area Subaru dealership and their advice...get this...was to break it out!
I really haven't had many problems despite averaging over 500 miles/week but I'm really ticked at Subaru for making something that's incredibly hard to get out. Maybe a 'strap wrench' from Sears would do the trick. Bottom line, before attempting to replace the VSS sensor, make sure you can get the old one out first!
BTW, having just read all the posts to this thread, it sure looks like my problem wasn't the VSS. My 'work-arounds' consist of; 1) turning the ignition off & on even when in motion (nice to have a manual tranny but don't do it at night), 2) turning AC on & off and, once, 3) turning the cruise on & off. I didn't have any luck with the washer/wiper wiggle. I'll try fooling with the dashboard electrical connections if the new VSS doesn't work. I'll try to post a followup. Later today when I pick it up, I have to load 500lbs. of books into it for deliveries.
Has anyone fooled with the ignition switch? The reason I ask is that is definitely my #1 'fix', even though it doesn't work all the time. At 150,000 miles which includes many stops for delivery and photography, I'm wondering if there's something in the switch (or maybe a relay??) that tells the speedometer head to do its' thing.
