Well, that is one heck of a good question! And I will share with you what I know about this topic.
Let's start off by explaning what the TSS does in the first place -
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calculates torque converter clutch slip by comparing engine RPM to turbine shaft RPM. The PCM also calculates gear ratios by comparing turbine shaft RPM to the vehicle speed sensor signal. The result is that a bad TSS signal can cause both TCC (torque converter clutch) performance codes and gear ratio error codes. - From Gears Magizine Jan/Feb `02
Here is a picture of the new style sensor. Note it has a white body. The previous design has a black body.
Sometime in middle to late 2001, Ford started using a new style TSS. This new TSS has a much weaker magnetic feild and the single output voltage is lower. What does all this mean to "my" car? Well, it states later in the article that the main thing to watch out for when installing one of these newer style sensors is air gap and geartrain endplay. Keep this in mind if youâ??re unable to locate the previous design sensor. The maximum air gap shouldnâ??t exceed .030". You will not be able to check this air gap, I don't think. Becasue what they are talking about is the gap between the sensor and the tabs on the reverse drum.
Here are the part numbers ~
Old StyleF7RZ-7M101-AA or F3RZ-7M101-ANew StyleXS7Z-7M101-KAIt might be a good idea to check around at some of your local dealers to see if they actually have to older sensor in stock. I am sure that by now they don't, but it might be worth asking about.
What cars should be worried about ill effects?
Cars with very old CD4E's. Something in the area of `94 to `95, with a lot of miles on them and that have never been rebuilt. Rebuilding can get all the endplay adjustments back into check and this might allow for use of the new sensor. As far as I know, noone has had any problems using the new TSS on our cars. You can read through that thread
1-2 "Bang" Shift Gone to hear the tails of everyone's experience's and defeats.
CAUTIONSome guys have had a really hard time getting this dude out! So take you time and be patient. You might have to destroy the sensor in your car now, so be prepared to have replacment sensors. If you local dealers no longer have any of the older TSS's in stock, just run out to a junk yard and grab one off a Tour there. Not trying to scare anyone, just trying to let everyone know about this.
