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Vehicle speed sensor trouble

T

twocontours

CEG'er
Joined
Jul 5, 2005
Messages
202
Location
Leesburg VA
I have a 95 (OBD-I) Zetec 2.0 with erratic shifting and a stored code 452 (VSS out of range). It is an early model (11/94 build date). It has a VSS on the transmission with the speedo cable coming out of it. Does it also have a VSS on the dash and if so where is it located. Does the computer use the trans mounted one for control or both?
 
Actually on my coffeetable right now, I already pulled that one. I'm just confused about all the references to one on the instrument cluster on the early contours.
 
In the manual it shows a TSS and a VSS. the Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor<-TSS is located on the lefthand side of the transaxle. The Vehicle Speed Sensor or VSS is attached to the speedometer cable. MAny people believe the TSS to be the cause of 1-2 bang shift. You might want to check out your TSS.
 
Look at the TSS not the VSS. Leave the battery disconnected for 2hrs and let it "re-learn" and see if it corrects the issue.
 
Can the TSS give a 452 code? All the symptoms match the TSS but the code was for the VSS. I'm also confused as the parts sites show a VSS on the transmission and on the instrument panel for the early 95's but it's not in the factory service CD.
 
Manual shows 452 as the VSS, the TSS code would be 639.
VSS symptoms as listed in the manual are: FIRM shift feel,abnormal shift schedules,unexpexted downshifts may occur at closed throttle. No 4th gear. No engine braking in 2nd or 3rd gear. No torque converter clutch(TCC) application. DTC: 452
TSS symptoms: No torque converter engagements or harsh shifts. No 4th gear operation and engine braking in 2nd and 3rd gear. DTC: 639
 
Symptoms for VSS sound like my problem and it matches the code. Either I got a bad new sensor, there is a VSS on the dash that's part of the problem or I have a wiring or computer problem.
 
make certain the TSS is seated

make certain the TSS is seated

The TSS is usually difficult to install, make certain that it is fully seated, if not it will not be close enough to the pump rotor to 'read' its speed.
 
Yea I have to dig into the wiring. I was trying to avoid that. I hate to move any of the wires because of the cracking problem. Wish I had the dealer breakout box so I could just tap into the computer connector.
 
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