Knock Sensor '97 Outback 5-Speed

[Victor Roberts]

The Check Engine light on my 5-speed '97Outback is lit. My mechanic
says that the computer code indicates that the Knock Sensor is bad.
The mechanic also says that the sensors are on back order from Subaru
and they are allocating them ONLY with the VIN number from the car.
This seem to indicate there has been a larger than expected number of
sensor failures.

Does anyone here know about an unusually large number of Knock Sensor
failures? If so, is Subaru taking any responsibility for this problem?
(Yes, I know my car is almost 7 years old.) Also - does anyone have a
source for the knock sensor other than Subaru?

Thanks.

 

[Victor Roberts]

I've got a '99 Forester with the same diagnosis: bad knock sensor. The
Subaru dealer wants $100 for the sensor and $30 labor to install it.
Net research indicates that this is really a trivial problem: I'd rather
order and install the part myself (to save money).

To those of you who have ordered Subaru parts online, where have you
gone? What are some reputable places that I might call to see if they
have any knock sensors?

Thanks. I found a sensor at a local dealer. It was $82 plus tax. I
also would like to know where I can buy Subaru parts on line.

 

[DaBickman]

I personally like http://www.subaruparts.com/. They are a dealership
located in the Tacoma, Washington area and they seem to beat the local
dealers here in Columbus, Ohio on prices even after the shipping is added on
compared to our 6.75% sales tax.

HTH,

David Bickel

 

[Victor Roberts]

Unless they have moved it, sensor should be behind the alternator on the
block. Changed one on a 91 Legacy I had. The plastic outer housing seems to
crack, possibly from the heat, then the moisture gets in and eventually the
sensor fails. It can also become intermittent though, works one day (Check
Engine light off), and not the next (light on). Found a used one, it was
cracked too!!

Thanks!

 

[EugeneT]

Thanks!

The knock sensor is on the driver side, near the gas/acceleration
cable. Just replaced mine a few months ago.
Go right down and I think it's a 12mm bold going right through the
center of it.
Get a ratcher and a few extension rods, connect them together and u
can unscrew it. The tough part is disconnecting the sensor since
there's not much give in the cable. The sensor is circular with about
a 5 inch wire coming out of it. It may be hard to see while it's
installed.
Enjoy.