Subaru Rotary Encoder (Volume) faulty

[BillyBoyBliss]

I have a MY03 Subaru Liberty and the audio volume/tone knob has essentially stopped working. It's more annoying than desperate because the same dial controls all the functions like volume, speakers, tone, etc. I found a thread on an electronics site and it led me to a tutorial on digital rotary encoders and I got a suggestion that it was highly unlikely that there was any physical failure of the dial adding that a bit of compressed air into the dial may do the trick. But, the console is fully integrated into the dash and I am hoping for some advice before embarking upon a major job pulling the dashboard apart for such an annoying little problem. I'm loath to even ring an car audio specialist until I know that there is no alternative, at which time I might better off looking at replacing the whole audio console with an updated touch screen and a few more features. Thanks for reading this.
Billy Boy

[PaulD]

an 03 is 8 years old now, it could very well be worn out by now. Can you get to it without pulling the dash apart ?

[BillyBoyBliss]

Thanks Paul. Yeh the car is getting old but I'm a retired academic and do low miles. The post I did to an electronics site got a reply

"Encoders are inherently reliable, and I question if the actual encoder is the problem. There just really isn't a whole lot to go wrong, especially if it "occasionally" works. This seems to say that it's working, but for some reason isn't picking up the pulses. My best guess would be a dirty encoder wheel. You might want to try using a few blasts from a compressed gas cleaner, and see if that helps." It's almost certain that my encoder is not mechanical nor magnetic, so that seems to be good news given the above thread.

I cannot see any simple way of removing the audio console without pulling the dashboard apart, which I suspect is a task not easily taken on by an amateur. The option of an car audio specialist and new system may be the best solution in terms of financial investment.
Thanks
Billy Boy

[PaulD]

ok, after looking up exactly how a rotary encoder works, I tend to agree that it is probably not physically worn out. If it is optical, a force of air though the mechanism might clean it up. I assume you are an Aussie because that seems to be the only place that car is sold. Finding a good kit to replace the dash for aftermarket can be difficult, depending on the car.

[BillyBoyBliss]

Thanks heaps Paul for your suggestions. True. I'm from Oz. I did try something a bit unorthodox. I blew some compressed air through the cassette opening and directed the jet towards the dial. It did improve the response of the dial a little, but I suspect you are correct in saying it may not be dust and replacement may be the go. I found a blog on ehow.com on taking apart the trim and pulling out the radio, but am yet to give that a trial. If that doesn't work, I'll check out prices of a new audio system (that is if I can find one to suit). There's a push in Oz for in-car DAB+ radio so I might be best to wait and see how that option pans out. Thanks again.

[PaulD]

get some repacements clips before you start, you WILL break or damage at least 1 or 2