Common problems with and installation of the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
#1
Common problems with and installation of the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
VSS- “Vehicle Speed Sensor”
About
The vehicle speed sensor is mounted on top of the transmission and under the air intake tube. The senor sends information from the transmission to the vehicle’s TCU (Transmission Control Unit), ECU (Engine Control Unit), Speedometer Gauge, and Cruise Control Unit. It does this by counting the revolutions of the transmission output shaft. Then the TCU determines a number of revolutions to equal a mile.
Common Problems
• Speedometer Failure
• Odometer Failure
• Cruise Control Failure
• Transmission Hesitation, Roughness (In my case the car would shake at lower speeds like the transmission didn’t know whether or not to shift)
• Irregular Idle
• Excessive Fuel Consumption
Car
93 Civic EX 1.6L/Automatic Transmission. It is bone stock.
No CEL codes were thrown for the sensor failure.
Now my car is at 203k and I didn’t know whether or not it had ever been changed so I went by a few symptoms, knew that they recommend replacing the VSS around 140-150k, and decided instead of going through all the hassle to circuit test the sensor and try cleaning it off first that I would just order one.
Price: $72.95
Where to buy: Summit Racing
Link: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BCK-090-5040
Placement of VSS:
(The Flashlight is shining on the VSS)
Removal/Installation
Tools Needed
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Small Extension or you can just use a deep 10mm
• Dielectric grease
Removal:
Step 1. Disconnect the Negative terminal on our battery. It’s always good to do this when working with electronics.
Step 1. Unplug the Sensor Wire Harness from the VSS
Step 2. Remove the two 10mm bolts holding the VSS to the top of the transmission as shown below.
Step3. Pull the sensor off of the transmission and be sure to take out the Drive Link (The small pin inside the sensor) with it as the new sensor comes with a new Drive Link.
Below is a photo of the contact point of the OLD VSS
Below is a photo of the contact point of the NEW VSS
Installation:
Step 1. Apply a small amount of Dielectric Grease to the Drive Link and insert it into the VSS.
Step 2. Make sure that the Drive Link is aligned properly with the female end on the transmission and that the holes for the 10mm bolts are aligned. BE CAREFUL WHEN CHECKING THE ALIGNMENT THAT THE PIN DOES NOT FALL OUT OF THE SENSOR, ITS VERY SMALL AND HARD TO FIND.
Step 3. Bolt the VSS back on to the transmission and reconnect the Sensor Wire Harness.
Overall it’s a pretty simple job, just felt like doing another write-up. Hope this helps some people out!!!
About
The vehicle speed sensor is mounted on top of the transmission and under the air intake tube. The senor sends information from the transmission to the vehicle’s TCU (Transmission Control Unit), ECU (Engine Control Unit), Speedometer Gauge, and Cruise Control Unit. It does this by counting the revolutions of the transmission output shaft. Then the TCU determines a number of revolutions to equal a mile.
Common Problems
• Speedometer Failure
• Odometer Failure
• Cruise Control Failure
• Transmission Hesitation, Roughness (In my case the car would shake at lower speeds like the transmission didn’t know whether or not to shift)
• Irregular Idle
• Excessive Fuel Consumption
Car
93 Civic EX 1.6L/Automatic Transmission. It is bone stock.
No CEL codes were thrown for the sensor failure.
Now my car is at 203k and I didn’t know whether or not it had ever been changed so I went by a few symptoms, knew that they recommend replacing the VSS around 140-150k, and decided instead of going through all the hassle to circuit test the sensor and try cleaning it off first that I would just order one.
Price: $72.95
Where to buy: Summit Racing
Link: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BCK-090-5040
Placement of VSS:
(The Flashlight is shining on the VSS)
Removal/Installation
Tools Needed
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Small Extension or you can just use a deep 10mm
• Dielectric grease
Removal:
Step 1. Disconnect the Negative terminal on our battery. It’s always good to do this when working with electronics.
Step 1. Unplug the Sensor Wire Harness from the VSS
Step 2. Remove the two 10mm bolts holding the VSS to the top of the transmission as shown below.
Step3. Pull the sensor off of the transmission and be sure to take out the Drive Link (The small pin inside the sensor) with it as the new sensor comes with a new Drive Link.
Below is a photo of the contact point of the OLD VSS
Below is a photo of the contact point of the NEW VSS
Installation:
Step 1. Apply a small amount of Dielectric Grease to the Drive Link and insert it into the VSS.
Step 2. Make sure that the Drive Link is aligned properly with the female end on the transmission and that the holes for the 10mm bolts are aligned. BE CAREFUL WHEN CHECKING THE ALIGNMENT THAT THE PIN DOES NOT FALL OUT OF THE SENSOR, ITS VERY SMALL AND HARD TO FIND.
Step 3. Bolt the VSS back on to the transmission and reconnect the Sensor Wire Harness.
Overall it’s a pretty simple job, just felt like doing another write-up. Hope this helps some people out!!!
Last edited by Former User; 10-25-2012 at 11:15 AM. Reason: Car information added
The following users liked this post:
#2
Honda-Tech Member
Re: VSS-"Vehicle Speed Sensor"
Nice writeup, sir! My VSS is at 285K miles and might need changed. If they recommend changing it at 150, it's looooong beyond time.
#3
Re: VSS-"Vehicle Speed Sensor"
Thanks man. Yea i'd say go for it, I saw a huge improvement in the shifting of my car and my cruise control now works too which was a big plus.
#4
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charlotte, NC, 28227
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Re: VSS-"Vehicle Speed Sensor"
There is no interval for replacing the speed sensor. Nice write up though. Might be good to note this is for an automatic transmission as the 5 speed VSS looks much different. Here's an additional resource for troubleshooting:
http://techauto.awardspace.com/vss.html
http://techauto.awardspace.com/vss.html
#6
Re: VSS-"Vehicle Speed Sensor"
#7
Re: Common problems with and installation of the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
It is a 1993 Honda Civic EX 1.6L with and Automatic Transmission. It is bone stock.
No CEL codes were thrown for the sensor failure.
No CEL codes were thrown for the sensor failure.
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#8
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Re: Common problems with and installation of the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
when you replace the VSS, does it not have to be recalibrated? i was always under that impression since i haven't had to replace one yet.
#10
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Re: Common problems with and installation of the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
what if you change it and your mph is still all jacked up and bounces everywhere
#12
Re: Common problems with and installation of the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
This helped me replace the VSS on my 93 Civic after the odometer and speedometer stopped working. Super easy to follow for someone not great with cars. Thanks!
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