Tranny Problems Needing Attention – Questions

Spring is near and I’m planning my maintenance items on the SVX. A couple things that need attention:

Problem 1: Some of you may recall me posting (late last year) a severe knocking problem that turned out to be a couple loose bolts that hold an anodized plate on the engine side of the fly wheel – flex plate I believe in Subaru lingo. One bolt fell out and was stuck in the bell housing – causing the dreadful sound. I was able to replace those bolts through the access window behind the throttle body - No problem. The problem is that the anodized plate the four bolts hold on (still not sure what that is called) developed two hair-line cracks from the excessive vibration, and it needs to be replaced. Question: How hard is that to do? What is that called and how much are they approximately? I can stick a tranny, but if this is a major undertaking, I might farm it out.

Problem 2: On occasions, the sensor that tells the shifter that the brake is depressed, allowing you to move out of park into gear, is not sensing. Or, the shifter is not getting the message. Is this a common problem? Where is the switch located? Also, possibly related, on occasion it will not start. Some juggling of the shifter seems to help it decide to do so. Same sensor?

Thanks in advance.