speedometer shaft
 

My speedometer has just stopped working and I have a questions. The dealer said that he pulled codes on my car and he got back a 33 Vehicle Speed Sensor No2. He said that I need a "new transmission" because the Speedometer shaft is stripped and you would have buy a remanufactured trans to get to it. I told him that the shaft is located in the differential.

My question to you guys is. How likely is the shaft to get stripped and stop working? Has any one else had this shaft fail? Should I have to pay for is misdiagnosis because he want me to buy a new transmission?


http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/How-To/14378.jpg

I would call it unlikely. As a matter of fact, I think that if the problem was with the gear itself, and not the sensor, then you wouldn't get a code.

I think all you need is a new speed sensor.

I concur with Nick. If it's throwing a code, it's more than likely the sensor.

I don't know that the guy *wants* you to buy a transmission, but it seems to be the way Subaru dealerships (from what I've gathered through past experience) deals with ANY problem that happens in, or around, the transmission. :( I don't think they really like to "fool with" taking them apart and fixing anything.

Not that replacing an external sensor qualifies as 'taking apart' a transmission, but I agree - most dealerships don't want to, can't, or try to convince you that you need it. I have an overall low opinion of Subaru repair shops. I've dealt with a couple good ones, but they're few and far between.

Replacing the tranny for a bad speed sensor is like replacing the car because you have a flat tire.

Sorry to disappoint you but a stripped speedo gear or broken shaft will throw a code. A pulse difference from Speed Sensor #1 and Speed Sensor #2 controls the transmission, but a pulse from 1 and no pulse from 2 will generate an error code.

The speed sensor 2 is really easy to check. It is a pain to reach, but its easy to remove. On mine the little metal "T" shaft that goes between the speed sensor and the cable was broken.

Doug

That's interesting. Thanks for the clarification.

Did you mean 'between the speed sensor and the shaft?' Because there's no 'cable' in there that I'm aware of. And does this little 'T' guy come with the sensor, or with the speedo gear set?

When you pull out the speed sensor, there is a little metal piece that is inserted into it. It has a flat blade bottom that fits into the spinning slot in the diff. That slot is the end of the driven gear cable (shaft).

This clear it up?

If not, just search on Google for the answer...

But...it's not...a mechanical speedo...so where's the 'driven cable???'

if it's the speedo in the differential i have an extra shaft. the gear runs from the diff to the housing and a connector hooks up to the sensor itself running the signal to the ecu. I have a ton of extra tranny parts so pm me if you need anything

Thanks for all the input. Last night I took it to my brother’s mechanic shop. (what I should have done in the first place; what am I smoking) Anyway, we took out VSS2 out to check it, looked OK. While the car was turned on, the mechanic spun the flat end of the sensor that picks up the speed; I was able to watch the needle bounce a little confirming that the VSS2 was ok. Today he took the axle to get to the shaft. He told me that there was plastic piece that was broken. He has since ordered the part for me for under 30 bucks. I didn’t see broken plastic part, but I think it is part 14 in the diagram.

I am still pissed at the Subaru dealer for telling me that I need a new trans. Oh and when I asked him the reason I was having poor fuel consumption he stated that my compression was low. Before he told me this, he started phone call by telling me it would be good time trade in my car due to the high mileage. I not happy about paying for that his suggestion.

is he replacing the ring that goes around the carrier or the gear at the end of the speedo shaft?? I can get u those parts fo almost free if u really want.

Its most likely the gear speedometer drive he is talking about. http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...category=169-1

part number 32714AA360

It is the only part that I know for sure is plastic.

Good luck. It sounds like you finally have someone you can trust.

Doug

yes it has to be one of the plastic gears so just let him do it, without experience w/ differencials you will hate doing it urself

Re: speedometer shaft
 

bump the old thread dead
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1290462196
apparently when my speedo sensor seized, it took out the speedo shaft.
About 60 bucks in new parts for the internal, and a used sensor i will be good to go. Will start a new thread with pics and how to.