The sensor is located
on the car's transmission
and this is why it is sometimes called the transmission speed sensor. It sends information to your speedometer and your engine's computer to tell the transmission when to shift.
Where is my speed sensor located?
Locate the transmission speed sensors, they'll be
near the front and rear of the transmission housing
. Consult the repair manual for your car. Place bucket or oil drain pan underneath the sensor, there will be some oil that drains out.
What happens when a speed sensor goes bad?
Therefore, a failing speed sensor will have a direct impact on
automatic transmission operation
. One of the most common signs of a bad speed sensor is abnormal automatic transmission operation. If the VSS is faulty, the transmission may exhibit symptoms such as delayed shifts, hard shifts, and limited gear operation.
How do you fix a faulty speed sensor?
Unfortunately, it
is impossible
to repair the transmission speed sensor as it simply fails. You have to discard it and replace it with a new one. A professional mechanic should help you examine and diagnose the speed sensor system of your vehicle even though the symptoms may seem similar in all cars.
Can I drive my car with a bad speed sensor?
Can you drive with a bad speed sensor? In general,
it is unsafe to drive a vehicle with a broken wheel speed sensor
. The car's computer will not be able to determine the speed that your vehicle is traveling, so it might apply the brakes at a faster rate than necessary or increase the engine power.
Is it hard to replace a speed sensor?
The vehicle speed sensor is one of the easiest parts on your car to change yourself. … If you notice that the speedometer does not work any longer,
replace the
vehicle speed sensor as it is the most likely cause.
What are the signs of a bad speed sensor?
- Harsh or improper shifting. Without a valid speed signal from these sensors, the PCM will not be able to correctly control the shifting of gears within the transmission. …
- Cruise control does not work. …
- Check Engine Light comes on.
How much does it cost to fix a speed sensor?
VSS Replacement
The DIY cost for replacing a speed sensor is the cost of the sensor. Depending on the vehicle year, make and model, a speed sensor can cost as little as $7.92 or as much as $100. For most vehicles, the cost for a speed sensor is
between $25 and $45
.
Can a speed sensor be cleaned?
Speed sensors are part of a vehicle's anti-lock braking system (ABS). … The various components of the speed sensors can gather dirt from the road and from the dust that is generated by constant sharp braking.
Speed sensors need to be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid damaging the
anti-lock braking system.
Can a speed sensor stop a car from starting?
The only way a Vss can cause a
no-start
is if it is shorting the orange wire and pulling down the power to the Crank and cam sensors. The VSS cannot cause a no-crank.
What causes speed sensor failure?
Over time, the transmission speed sensor can go bad due
to wiring issues
or just outright failing due to it constantly being used every time you are driving your vehicle. If the sensor is magnetic, it can go bad from iron sticking to the tip of the sensor, which will cause an inaccurate reading.
How long does it take to replace a speed sensor?
Most experienced technicians can replace the transmission speed sensor within
2-3 hours
. Depending on the severity of the damage it can take a bit longer.
Will a bad wheel speed sensor cause transmission problems?
A failing speed sensor will directly impact the transmission operation
, leading to delayed shifting and limited gear choices, while numerous other sensors can have similar detrimental effects.
What does a vehicle speed sensor do?
Vehicle Speed Sensors
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.
What causes a speedometer to stop working?
The most common causes of a speedometer that stopped working include are
a faulty speed sensor
, a broken gear on the speedometer, damaged wiring, or a faulty engine control unit.
