Table of Contents
What is the VSS wire?
In addition to the standard power and ground leads, remote-mount navigation (and even some in-dash units) systems connect to a vehicle’s Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) wire. Your vehicle’s cruise control uses the VSS wire to determine the vehicle’s speed — it serves the same function for the navigation system.
What is the speed sensor connected to?
Basic Functionality of the VSS The VSS is connected to a speedometer cable and positioned between the axle and the wheel of a vehicle. This voltage is then transmitted to a computational device that calculates the speed proportional to the moving vehicle.
Where is the input and output speed sensor located?
The Input and Output Speed Sensors are two-wire magnetic pickup devices that generate AC signals as rotation occurs. They are mounted in the left side of the transmission case and are considered primary inputs to the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
How do you test a speed sensor wire?
Disconnect the sensor from the housing on the transmission, as indicated in the repair manual for your car. Disconnect the sensor’s wire coupling. Using the multimeter’s voltmeter connect the probes to the ground and reference wires in the connector. If no voltage is received, the sensor is faulty.
What causes a speed sensor to malfunction?
Also, the plastic portion of the sensor can become brittle after prolonged exposure to the elements. The magnetic portion of the sensor may also become worn and damaged over time. The speed sensor measures the rotation of a toothed wheel on a shaft inside the transmission to determine how fast your car is going.
How do you diagnose a bad speed sensor?
Here are the symptoms of a bad or failing transmission speed…
- 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.