2012 Subaru Outback RFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Steering Angle Sensor: Replacement

  1. Position the front wheels straight ahead. (After moving a vehicle 5 m (16 ft) or more with front wheels positioned straight ahead, make sure that the vehicle moves straight ahead.)
  2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
  3. Disconnect the ground cable from battery and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work.
  4. Remove the driver's airbag module assembly.
    CAUTION: Always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in the Airbag System before performing service on the airbag modules. Refer to CAUTION .

    Preparation tool: TORX® T30 

    1. Loosen the TORX® bolts located on the sides of the steering wheel.
      Fig 1: Locating Snap Pins And Locks
      G00523878Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Disconnect the airbag connector and remove the airbag module assembly. Refer to AIRBAG CONNECTOR .
    3. Disconnect the horn harness.
      Fig 2: Disconnecting Airbag Connector
      G00525707Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Remove the steering wheel.
    CAUTION:
    • Always use the steering wheel puller for removal to avoid deforming the steering wheel.
    • If the steering wheel has been removed, make sure that the roll connector is not turned from the original position.

    Preparation tool: Steering wheel puller 

    1. Disconnect the connector and remove the nut.
    2. Put alignment marks and remove the steering wheel.
      Fig 3: Locating Alignment Marks And Steering Wheel
      G06653202Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Remove the steering column cover.
    1. Lower the lever of the steering column.
    2. Release the claws and remove the screws, then detach the steering column lower cover.
      Fig 4: Locating Steering Column Lower Cover Screws
      G06653203Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Separate the steering column upper cover and steering upper cover, and remove the steering column upper cover.
      Fig 5: Identifying Steering Column Upper Cover And Steering Upper Cover
      G06653204Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the roll connector.
    CAUTION: Make sure that the roll connector is not turned from the original position.
    1. Disconnect the connector under the roll connector.
    2. Release the claws and remove the roll connector.
      Fig 6: Identifying Roll Connector And Claws
      G06653205Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the steering angle sensor.
    1. Release the claws and remove the steering angle sensor (b) from the roll connector (a).
      Fig 7: Identifying Steering Angle Sensor And Roll Connector
      G07914204Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Install the steering angle sensor.
    1. Remove the clip (a) attached to the protrusion of new steering angle sensor.
      CAUTION: Do not rotate the steering angle sensor protrusion.
Factory Service Tools

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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.

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