What is the VSS speed sensor?
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) measures transmission/transaxle output or wheel speed. The ECM uses this information to modify engine functions such as ignition timing, air/fuel ratio, transmission shift points, and to initiate diagnostic routines.
Where is the speed sensor on a Ford truck?
Crawl under the truck and locate the VSS mounted on the rear axle differential facing the front of the vehicle. Push down on the tabs on the wiring connector and pull it from the sensor. Remove the sensor holding bolt with a 10 mm wrench turned in a counterclockwise direction. Pull the sensor from the differential.
Where does VSS data go in a car?
This information is sent to the electronic computer module (ECM), where it is shared with other vehicle systems that depend on this data. The function of several of your vehicle’s systems depend on data from the VSS and ECM, such as variable speed power steering, cruise control, anti-lock brakes and your speedometer.
What are the symptoms of a speed sensor malfunction?
The speed sensor location is typically the transmission case. Vehicle speed sensor symptoms vary from malfunction shift timing to speedo head. ASE Certification Practice Tests
What makes the speed sensor on a car spin?
The driven gear is typically made of plastic, intentionally making it softer than the drive gear. As the shaft of this sensor spins, it generates an on-off signal to the vehicles PCM and TCM.
What happens if the VSS sensor is not working?
Vehicle speed information relayed by the VSS is used by the transmission control module (TCM) or powertrain control module (PCM) to determine shift timing. Therefore, a failing speed sensor will have a direct impact on automatic transmission operation.
Where is the speed sensor on a car?
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is also commonly referred to as a transmission speed sensor or output shaft speed sensor. It is a small device—typically mounted somewhere on the transmission—that determines how fast your vehicle is going by measuring the rotation of a toothed wheel on a shaft inside the transmission.
This information is sent to the electronic computer module (ECM), where it is shared with other vehicle systems that depend on this data. The function of several of your vehicle’s systems depend on data from the VSS and ECM, such as variable speed power steering, cruise control, anti-lock brakes and your speedometer.
What does it mean when your speed sensor stops working?
Learn more… A vehicle speed sensor, or VSS, is a sensor that is used to determine how fast your vehicle is traveling. If your vehicle’s speedometer stops working or isn’t telling you the correct speed that you’re traveling, you likely have a faulty VSS.