VSS low input signal source

[musiccitysho]

I pulled the codes on my 93 atx because of stumbling through gears when reaching normal temp and a CE light.(It runs through gears fine when cool) I had the vss code stored in KOEO.
The problem is that the cruise control functions properly and I had the vss replaced less than 20,000 miles ago. I pulled the wheel and checked the connection, nothing seemed to be dripping on it and it felt secure, although my vision was limited, the rest I had to feel out.
Does anybody know what else could be causing a low input signal from the vss, or where the wire harness routes. 20,000 miles seems like a awfully short life for a sensor and I would hate to lose all the skin replacing it again and find out it isnt the problem.

Thanks for any leads.

 

[roswell998]

I recently had exactly the same experience, however it is of course possible that yours is caused by something else:

1. About 15K (2 years) since VSS was replaced on my 93 atx and then low VSS signal codes started again along with shifting problems as you described.

2. Just replaced again (not expensive, just time consuming) and no more low VSS signal codes. Trans seems to be shifting fine now except for little shudder in 1-2 shift which has been there for quite a few miles now and is probably advance warning that trans rebuild isn't too far down the road (106K miles).

3. Just a word of caution...........make certain to properly replace the heat shield over the VSS sensor since its life expectancy and electrical voltage output can be degraded by heat.

 

[poissonverte]

Same here. VSS went out. Bought an autozone one. Died 1.5 years after installation. Have a ford part in there now, but who knows if theres a difference.

 

[musiccitysho]

Well I guess it will have to be swapped out again, its gradually getting worse and the hot weather isnt helping.
BTW the last one that was put in was a Ford part so on my car anyways the extra 26.00 didnt buy any additional reliability. I hope I get better results this time around.
Thanks All

 

[roswell998]

FYI, both VSS's replaced on mine have been Ford Parts. I think the second failure occurred due to oil leaking on it from the rear bank exhaust cam oil seal behind the CID. Anyway, all front seals, the front crank oil seal and the VSS are now replaced and working fine!

Just some clarification on my earlier comment about the heat shield.............The VSS is VERY near to the rear bank Y-Pipe exhaust which gets EXTREMELY hot. Heat is definitely the enemy of electronic devices. That's why this shield MUST be there! Just curious, was yours put back on when the VSS was recently replaced?

 

[musiccitysho]

Yeh, the heat sheild was replaced, although when I went to check the connections, not all the spring clips were secured to that round cap the sensor plugs into.
My rear engine bank on my 93 is pretty dry, I have some leakage around the oil pan but nothing to speak of around the rear cam.
My engine bay does get really hot though, especially on the passenger side. When I bought it the clearcoat was baked off of the upper part of the fender,the heat must of fried the vss again.
Sure does suck that it has a shorter lifespan than my brakepads, it would be nice if I could cut a hole in the floor for replacement like the fuel pump!

 

[musiccitysho]

Well I replaced the VSS and the shifting issues are resolved, I should say I HAD the sensor replaced . I got the heat sheild out and then unplugged the speedo but before I pulled the harness I took one last look at the exhaust studs that hold the y-pipe. It needs to be dropped to remove the 10mm bolt that holds the sensor on and realized that I was going to get beat.
It called for 3 hours and cost 150.00, worth every cent to avoid the headache that was in store.
Before I left the technician asked me to never bring that "thing" in again.