1993 Subaru SVXFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Code 33: Vehicle Speed Sensor No. 2

NOTE: Refer to illustration for ECU connector and terminal identification. See Figure .
  1. Raise and support vehicle. Start engine and rotate wheels to check speedometer operation. If speedometer does not operate, go to next step. If speedometer operates, use a DVOM to check voltage between ECU connector B59, terminal No. 3 (backprobe) and ground. Voltage should toggle between zero and 5 volts. If voltage toggles as specified, go to next step. If voltage does not toggle as specified, go to step 5).
  2. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect ECU connectors. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Using a DVOM, check voltage between ground and ECU connector B59, terminals No. 2 and 13.
  3. Voltage should be 10 volts or greater at each terminal. If voltage is not as specified, repair appropriate circuit as necessary. If voltage is as specified, go to next step.
  4. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance between ground and ECU connector B59, terminals No. 11 and 22. Resistance should be zero ohms at each terminal. If resistance is not as specified, repair appropriate circuit as necessary. If resistance is as specified, check ECU connector terminals for good contact. Repair as necessary. If connector terminals are okay, replace ECU.
  5. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect speed sensor connector. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance between ECU connector B60, terminal No. 11 and speed sensor connector terminal No. 1 (Yellow/Red wire). Resistance should be zero ohms. If resistance is as specified, go to next step. If resistance is not as specified, repair circuit as necessary.
  6. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Using a DVOM, check voltage between speed sensor connector terminal No. 1 (Yellow/Red wire) and ground. Voltage should be 10 volts or greater. If voltage is as specified, go to next step. If voltage is not as specified, go to step 8).
  7. Using a DVOM, check voltage between main relay connector terminal No. 3 (Green/Yellow wire) and ground. Voltage should be 10 volts or greater. If voltage is as specified, replace main relay. If voltage is not as specified, repair circuit as necessary.
  8. Remove speed sensor. Connect sensor connector to speed sensor. Connect DVOM between speed sensor connector terminals No. 1 (Yellow/Red wire) and No. 3 (Green/Yellow wire). While rotating speed sensor shaft, ensure voltage switches from zero to 5 volts, 4 times per revolution. If voltage changes as described, speed sensor is okay. Malfunction is mechanical. If voltage does not change as described, replace speed sensor.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.