Power steering pump pressure switch

[seith_31]

Good day guys!

We finally got out 2005 outback 3.0 and its an absolute joy!

Coming from a 2.0 leggy power delivery is much more refined and better in everyway.

It wasn't smooth sailing though. I had to repair one rear and one front door actuator and a servo for the hvac mode contorl--- such a royal pain.

Now i discovered a problem. Power steering was a bit noisy and whiney so decided to flush out fluid using castrol dexIII atf. I had a bit of luck there but still a little bit noisy.

So i googled a fix, the o-ring in the return line above the pump. Didnt change it just reseated it.

While doing that, i discovered a single wire that is cut off at the back of the pump. It was the pressure switch and apparantly it senses load on the ps pump and send info to the ecu to adjust the rpm.

So this is actually my problem. When standing still, if i turn the steering wheel, rpm goes down a bit. And that was the noise i was looking for.

Question is do you guys have any hacks to reconnect the wire? It is cut off from the inside so i cant think of any way to connect it. I tried just whacking the wire inside and tape it hoping for a contact but to no avail.

Or can i just ground the wire?

Hope you guys can help.

[Rosssub]

Guessing your pump is the same style as the BH5, with the pressure switch wire coming out a hole in the rear of the pump:

Never had a PS pump apart to replace a pressure switch, but according to pages 3334 & 3405 in this Rev D workshop manual the 3.0L and turbo model's pump can't be disassembled:

http://clubsub.org.nz/forum/showthread.php?39909-Workshop-manual-BE-BH-2003MY-Covers-TT-4442-pages-by-Fuji-Heavy-Industries

NOTE:

Oil pump for 3.0 L and Turbo model cannot be disassembled.

If the oil pump is malfunctioning, replace

the oil pump as an assembly.

This Haynes manual also says the 3.0L pump can't be disassembled:

http://workshop-manuals.com/subaru/legacy_gt_ltd_sedan_awd/f4-2.5l_sohc/steering_and_suspension/steering/power_steering/power_steering_pump/component_information/diagrams/

PS pressure switch part number in here for the pump with the replaceable switch:

http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b12/type_21/steering/oil_pump/

Just grounding the wire will cause the ECU to permanently idle up, which would just use more gas and no doubt get annoying. You could try unbolting the pump so it can be twisted around to get a better view in the hole, maybe get a soldering iron in there. Or try holding the wire in place with good contact then fill the hole with an adhesive silicone to keep it there. Could also try removing the pumps rear cover to get better access for soldering.

The V5/6 ECU pinout shows the PS pressure switch giving 0V ON/10-14V OFF.

The V7/Rev D ECU pinouts show the PS pressure switch giving 0V ON/10-14V OFF.

The BE/BH Rev A-C ECU pinout shows the PS pressure switch giving 0V ON/5V OFF, with reversed polarity for manual/auto trans.

http://www.brdevelopments.com/archive.html

PS pressure switch connector pictured here: (alternator removed)

[seith_31]

Thanks for the info ross! Tried to remove the rubber sheat around the wire and there was a pole stickig out and got my soldering iron and got on to it! Legend ross thanks for the help!