[Gary U]

Just checking to see if anyone has experienced a similar problem. Car is a 2010 Outback Limited 3.6R. Original owner (36,200 miles / 40 months old).

Just recently the speedometer has stopped working intermittently (now more off than on). The economy gauge, odometer, and the digital ecomony gauge near the clock also stop working at the same time. The tachometer, lights, etc all seem to be working OK. This morning my wife advised (it is her car) that the audio system (factory Harmon Kardon) is randomly changing volume from soft to loud.

There is no check engine light when this occurs.

Before the radio thing cropped up I was thinking perhaps there was a problem with the VSS or it's connector, but now that seems much less likely.

Has anyone experienced something similar???? Thanks!

 

[BlueCorn]

Do you live near a cemetary?


Just a guess, but that sounds like it could be a grounding issue.

 

[vr4Legacy]

Not on my Subaru, but I had an old Ford Taurus that the radio, speedo, and interior lights wouldn't work on. I tapped a ground and jumped it to the body and WHAM all fixed.

I wouldn't suggest that with your Subaru, but it seems like a ground issue. Probably best to let your dealer look at it. This close to your warranty, you MIGHT be able to escelate it to SOA and try to get some warranty help.

 

[plain OM]

The speedo and related indicators are all based on the same vehicle speed signal, so it's not unexpected that they all don't work, and your idea of a failing VSS or connection is possible.

On some cars, the radio volume is linked to car speed -- volume is increased as vehicle speed increases to overcome wind noise etc. Check (or ask your wife) if the volume change seems to occur at the same time the speedometer stops working, or resumes working.

 

[NoobaruOutback]

Sounds like the sane issues as the puddle light short, do you have puddle lights by chance?

 

[mcbrew]

Not on my Subaru, but I had an old Ford Taurus that the radio, speedo, and interior lights wouldn't work on. I tapped a ground and jumped it to the body and WHAM all fixed.

I wouldn't suggest that with your Subaru, but it seems like a ground issue. Probably best to let your dealer look at it. This close to your warranty, you MIGHT be able to escelate it to SOA and try to get some warranty help.

It does sound like a bad ground.

 

[Gary U]

Thanks for the responses!

No puddle lights on mine. This weekend I am going to try to find where the VSS is located and check it out.

 

[scoobydoo2]

...can you try for warranty coverage?

 

[mpnret]

Is it safe to assume you had the recall done back in 2010 for the steering column electrical roll connector? Main symptom was failure of the volume control switches but I do remember reports of it causing additional electrical issues.