VSS change on an 94 Auto SHO

[layinthesmack31]

Hey guys

Well i was wondering how hard it is to change the VSS on an auto sho? It seems everyone says it is really hard but i am very mechanically inclined and i have access to many tools and and air tools. So i want to know the process on how to change the sensor out and if there are any tips or tricks u guys know. I really dont want to have to take it to a shop for a sensor to be changed if i can do it in a weekend in my heated garage. Well any input is greatly appreciated. thanks a ton guys.

Matt

 

[SHOdownTN]

Hey guys

Well i was wondering how hard it is to change the VSS on an auto sho? It seems everyone says it is really hard but i am very mechanically inclined and i have access to many tools and and air tools. So i want to know the process on how to change the sensor out and if there are any tips or tricks u guys know. I really dont want to have to take it to a shop for a sensor to be changed if i can do it in a weekend in my heated garage. Well any input is greatly appreciated. thanks a ton guys.

Matt

LMAO, even the mechanically encline will be cursing alot during this procedure.
#1 after the car is jacked up or on jack stands if not useing a lift. Un bolt and drop the Y-pipe completely from the car.
Next, remove the speedometer cable from the old VSS. You will be doing this almost totaly blind. It is on top of the tranny behind the engine between the firewall. It had 1 small bolt in a bracket holding it in, I can't remember the size. mybe 10mm.
Install is just the reverse but I had a heck of a time getting the speedometer cable back in and getting the bolt back in the tranny without cross threading.

BTW: I think it is easier to get your arm between the engine and tranny and the other between the tranny and the rack so that you have more than one hand fumbling around there. I Had the directions printed out from AllData but didn't help much at getting the thing out and back in.

 

[layinthesmack31]

so your saying it is possible then huh haha is it hard to remove the y pipe? thanks

matt

 

[SHOdownTN]

so your saying it is possible then huh haha is it hard to remove the y pipe? thanks

matt

Yes it's very possible, just remember when it seems impossible and start getting aggervated take a breather.....
No Y-pipe wasn't a pain But I had mine off a couple times before. I sprayed the nuts and studs heavily with penatrating oil and let it set a few minutes. I did break a stud so beware of that but there not too bad to replace. Mine simply unscrewed and I installed the new one.

 

[jaded93atx]

The book value for the labor is 140.00 and IMHO it is a thankless job and worth every cent to pass the headache over to an unsuspecting shop. Without a lift you can count on lots of bloody knuckles, at least 1 broken stud, and several mind numbing hours lying on your back underneath the car mumbling to yourself and questioning the Ford engineers integrity.

 

[SHOdownTN]

The book value for the labor is 140.00 and IMHO it is a thankless job and worth every cent to pass the headache over to an unsuspecting shop. Without a lift you can count on lots of bloody knuckles, at least 1 broken stud, and several mind numbing hours lying on your back underneath the car mumbling to yourself and questioning the Ford engineers integrity.

Yep been there done that.

 

[Cobraii976]

I took the rear mount out to do mine. And if I ever had to do another one I'd just get a bag of marshmallows and light it on fire.

 

[the on going reality of shopower]

ya take the rear mount out that how I do it at work on all 3.8 and 3.2 taurus the 3.0 SLO vulcan is a breeze to do in place 5-10 min done.
Now the 3.4 V8 is a bit more hader to repalce the sensor seizes in the hole and is a bit@h to get out.

 

[layinthesmack31]

so can u give me more details how i should do it? where exactly is the vss located? so i can just remove the rear mount and it is a 5-10 min job? i guess i am kinda confused can u clerify? thanks

matt

 

[38SHO]

Yep been there done that.

LMAO

hey atleast ford is better the the good ole CHRYSLER LINE-UP

my biggest rant on the Chrysler corp is when pulling RWD transmissions you must remove the oil filter to get to a bellhousing bolt

not to mention those crossmembers

 

[38SHO]

vss is not a 10 minute job don't fool yourself...

especially someone working at their house with inadequate tools and accesories and not doing what they are 10 times before.

 

[MeSHOYouHow]

If you go to ford to get your new vss, ask them to print you out the description of where the vss goes, it was a little helpfull for me finding it. they should have it on a computer that gives a picture and part numbers.


Make sure you dont spray PB Blaster in you headers, when you take off your y pipe. If you do you will ruin your O2 sensors when it burns out. At least mine did. DUH....stupid! stupid!

 

[jaded93atx]

With a lift, acetylene, experience and the proper tools, the shop book calls it to be a 3 hour job. That doesnt take into account that we live in the rust belt which virtually guarantees it to be a harder job than most. When I attempted it, I threw in the towel once it took me over an hour just to jack it up and remove the heat sheild. I realized that even if I could get it out, the car couldnt drive until I got it back in, and if I couldnt I would have to pay for a tow AND labor. I think Bizzy has a string with pics posted of it, youll have to search find the thread. If you jack the car up, remove the passenger wheel, with a light you'll be able to just see it on top of the tranny, its just above the CV axle.
BTW exactly why are you replacing it? You would have a stored code if it is failing.
Also you dont need to go to ford for it, Autozone has them, I think they are around 25.00

 

[38SHO]

I work at a transmission shop, I've done a few on SLO's and it is a royal pain in the ***

thats even with jacks, lifts, hoists, air tools, welders, torches, anything you can name just about....