The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) system is a pulse generator consisting of a speed sensor assembly, located in the case, and a toothed speed sensor rotor, which is pressed onto the final drive assembly. As the vehicle drives forward, the speed sensor rotor also rotates. This rotation produces a variable AC voltage signal in the pickup coil that is proportional to vehicle speed.
The VSS generates AC voltage varying from 0.5 volts at 100 RPM to more than 100 volts at 6000 RPM.
The PCM uses this signal to calculate vehicle speed and to develop the transmission shift pattern. Other systems also use VSS information:
• | TCC apply and release |
• | Cruise control system |
• | Fuel delivery systems |
When the PCM detects an unrealistically low vehicle speed, with a high engine speed, while in drive gear range, then DTC P0502 sets. DTC P0502 is a type A DTC.
• | No MAP DTCs P0107 or P0108. |
• | No TP DTCs P0122 or P0123. |
• | The transmission is not in Park or Neutral. |
• | The engine speed is more than 3200 RPM. |
• | The throttle angle is 18-60%. |
• | The MAP is 0-55 kPa (0-8 psi). |
• | The output speed is less than 3 Km/h (2 mph) for 3 seconds. |
• | The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). |
• | The transmission defaults to 3rd gear. |
• | The PCM inhibits TCC operation. |
• | The PCM turns OFF the MIL after three consecutive trips without a failure reported. |
• | A scan tool can clear the DTC from the PCM history. The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported. |
• | The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM. |
• | Check for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in circuits 400 and 401. EMI may be induced if the harness is routed along the spark plug wires or alternator wires. |
• | Inspect the wiring at the PCM, the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) connector and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions: |
- | A bent terminal |
- | A backed out terminal |
- | A damaged terminal |
- | Poor terminal tension |
- | A chafed wire |
- | A broken wire inside the insulation |
- | Moisture intrusion |
- | Corrosion |
• | When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change. |
• | Ensure that the VSS is securely tightened to the case extension. |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
This step verifies that the PCM is receiving a signal from the vehicle speed sensor.
This step verifies that there are no opens in the circuitry, from the vehicle speed sensor, to the PCM connector.
This step performs a resistance test on the VSS circuits from the PCM connector.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Were you sent here from the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function will erase the stored Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM. Notice: Support the lower control arms in the normal horizontal position in order to avoid damage to the drive axles. Do not operate the vehicle in gear with the wheels hanging down at full travel. With drive wheels rotating, does Transmission Output Speed increase when wheel speed increases? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Is the measured voltage greater than the specified value? | 0.4 AC V | |||
Select Ohms on the DMM. Is the resistance between terminals 64 and 61 greater than the specified value? | 1864 ohms | |||
5 | Inspect circuits 400 and 401 for an open. Repair the circuits if necessary. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. Was a condition found and corrected? | -- | ||
6 | Does the DMM display a value less than the resistance specified? | 981 ohms | ||
7 | Inspect circuits 400 and 401 for a short together. Repair the circuits if necessary. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. Was a condition found and corrected? | -- | ||
8 |
Is either resistance lower than the specified value? | 50K ohms | ||
9 | Inspect circuits 400 and 401 for a short to ground. Repair the circuits if necessary. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. Was a condition found and corrected? | -- | ||
10 | Remove the VSS and connect a DMM from terminal A to terminal B of the VSS. Is the measured resistance within the specified range? | 981-1864 ohms | ||
11 | Remove the VSS and inspect the Sensor Ring on the Final Drive Carrier Assembly for damage or misalignment. Was a condition found? | -- | Go to Unit Repair | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
12 | Replace the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement . Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
13 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming in Engine Controls. Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
14 | Perform the following procedure to verify your repair:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | System OK |
The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) system is a pulse generator consisting of a speed sensor assembly, located in the case, and a toothed speed sensor rotor, which is pressed onto the final drive assembly. As the vehicle drives forward, the speed sensor rotor also rotates. This rotation produces a variable AC voltage signal in the pickup coil that is proportional to vehicle speed.
The VSS generates AC voltage varying from 0.5 volts at 100 RPM to more than 100 volts at 6000 RPM.
The PCM uses this signal to calculate vehicle speed and to develop the transmission shift pattern. Other systems also use VSS information:
• | TCC apply and release |
• | Cruise control system |
• | Fuel delivery systems |
When the PCM detects an unrealistically low vehicle speed, with a high engine speed, while in drive gear range, then DTC P0502 sets. DTC P0502 is a type A DTC.
• | No MAP DTCs P0107 or P0108. |
• | No TP DTCs P0122 or P0123. |
• | The transmission is not in Park or Neutral. |
• | The engine speed is more than 2900 RPM. |
• | The throttle angle is more than 15%. |
• | The engine torque is 54-203 N·m (40-150 lb ft). |
• | The output speed is less than 150 RPM for 2.5 seconds. |
• | The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). |
• | The transmission defaults to 3rd gear. |
• | The PCM inhibits TCC operation. |
• | The PCM turns OFF the MIL after three consecutive trips without a failure reported. |
• | A scan tool can clear the DTC from the PCM history. The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported. |
• | The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM. |
• | Check for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in circuits 400 and 401. EMI may be induced if the harness is routed along the spark plug wires or alternator wires. |
• | Inspect the wiring at the PCM, the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) connector and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions: |
- | A bent terminal |
- | A backed out terminal |
- | A damaged terminal |
- | Poor terminal tension |
- | A chafed wire |
- | A broken wire inside the insulation |
- | Moisture intrusion |
- | Corrosion |
• | When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change. |
• | Ensure that the VSS is securely tightened to the case extension. |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
This step verifies that the PCM is receiving a signal from the vehicle speed sensor.
This step verifies that there are no opens in the circuitry from the vehicle speed sensor to the PCM connector.
This step performs a resistance test on the VSS circuits from the PCM connector.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Were you sent here from the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function will erase the stored Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM. Notice: Support the lower control arms in the normal horizontal position in order to avoid damage to the drive axles. Do not operate the vehicle in gear with the wheels hanging down at full travel. With drive wheels rotating, does Transmission Output Speed increase when wheel speed increases? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
Is the measured voltage greater than the specified value? | 0.4 AC V | |||
Select Ohms on the DMM. Is the resistance between terminals 64 and 65 greater than the specified value? | 1864 ohms | |||
5 | Inspect circuits 400 and 401 for an open. Repair the circuits if necessary. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. Was a condition found and corrected? | -- | ||
6 | Does the DMM display a value less than the resistance specified? | 981 ohms | ||
7 | Inspect circuits 400 and 401 for a short together. Repair the circuits if necessary. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. Was a condition found and corrected? | -- | ||
8 |
Is either resistance lower than the specified value? | 50 K ohms | ||
9 | Inspect circuits 400 and 401 for a short to ground. Repair the circuits if necessary. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. Was a condition found and corrected? | -- | ||
10 | Remove the VSS and connect a DMM from terminal A to terminal B of the VSS. Is the measured resistance within the specified range? | 981-1864 ohms | ||
11 | Remove the VSS and inspect the Sensor Ring on the Final Drive Carrier Assembly for damage or misalignment. Was a condition found? | -- | Go to Unit Repair | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
12 | Replace the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement . Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
13 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming in Engine Controls. Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
14 | Perform the following procedure, to verify your repair:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | System OK |