06 FXT Turbo Gauge Odd Behavior

912 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by jkd, Mar 8, 2014

jkd

Discussion Starter · Mar 5, 2014

I have an '06 FXT with Factory Turbo Gauge and 78k miles that I've owned since new. Since I've owned it, the "usual" position for the Turbo gauge is at the "9 o'clock position" ("0 boost"). It has always hovered around there, going up when I'm accelerating, down when decelerating, but always hoevering around "0."

Several days ago, the gauge has now started hovering around the "6 o'clock"
position (negative boost.) Now, it will climb up as far as 0 (9 0'clock) or slightly above, but when the RPMs drop, it now falls back to 6 o'****. That's REALLY unusual. I can't remember ever seeing it drop this far negative before, let alone stay down there for more than a few seconds. Interestingly, the car doesn't seem to be performing any differently. No problems with acceleration, no massive decrease in MPG or anything like that. Has anyone else seen behavior like this?

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dave5358

· #2 · Mar 6, 2014

jkd said:
I have an '06 FXT with Factory Turbo Gauge and 78k miles that I've owned since new. Since I've owned it, the "usual" position for the Turbo gauge is at the "9 o'clock position" ("0 boost"). It has always hovered around there, going up when I'm accelerating, down when decelerating, but always hoevering around "0."

Several days ago, the gauge has now started hovering around the "6 o'clock" position (negative boost.) Now, it will climb up as far as 0 (9 0'clock) or slightly above, but when the RPMs drop, it now falls back to 6 o'****. That's REALLY unusual. I can't remember ever seeing it drop this far negative before, let alone stay down there for more than a few seconds. Interestingly, the car doesn't seem to be performing any differently. No problems with acceleration, no massive decrease in MPG or anything like that. Has anyone else seen behavior like this?

The gauge is mechanical and it has failed. The simple fix is to replace it.

If you were to take the gauge apart, there is probably a coiled hair-spring attached to the needle shaft by means of a small brass split collar. The collar has slipped on the shaft.

If you could hold the collar with a blade or jeweler's screwdriver and turn the needle, you could correct the problem. It is not clear how long this 'fix' would last. A drop of 'red' thread lock or crazy glue might be helpful.

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jkd

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 8, 2014

I tried to order the entire OEM turbo gauge install kit: Subaru part number H5010SA020

Three days after placing the online order with subarupartsoutlet.com, I called to check and they told me that this part has been DISCONTINUED by Subaru. In other words, if you don't have this option already installed in your '06 FXT, No OEM Turbo Gauge (w/Install Kit) For You.

So, I went by the local dealer. He said the same thing. Then he said that the gauge itself (without the Install Kit, housing that mounts on the steering column, etc.) is still available. Since all I've got is a "broken gauge" problem, that works for me. The gauge alone is Subaru OEM Part H5010SA011 and from my local dealer was orderable for $211.98. That's $40 more than subarupartswebsite.com charges for H5010SA011, but at least the dealer came up with the part number. Sure beats "Duhhh...discontinued" three days after the order was placed with subarupartsoutlet.com. Guess where I WILL and WON'T look for OEM parts in future.

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