VSS issue (not your avg stupid ass speedo thread)

[KoukiMonsta]

As the title states, my speedo does not function.

My cluster, VSS, and associated wiring functions perfectly. How do I know?

When I pull the VSS from the tranny, remove the pinion and spin it with a drill the cluster shows speed based on drill rpm.

But when inserted into the tranny and car is put into gear (running on a jack stand. Car is not road worthy) I get no reading at the cluster.

Now, the pinion on the VSS does NOT appear to be worn. It came off a functioning car. It also has 21 teeth. (I do not know the relevance of teeth? Besides gear ratios..IS THIS POSSIBLY MY ISSUE??)

The gear inside the tranny does not appear to be worn either.

I even applied paint to the pinion, I steered it and spun the drive shaft....paint transfers to both gears!

What the f#%k is going on!?

[Mikester]

Pull the VSS back out and observe inside where it plugs into the tranny while spinning the rear wheels... Maybe the part inside tranny is not doing what it's supposed to do.

My other thought is that basically, the VSS is a phase-sensitive (polar), AC generator... Try reversing the polarity of the wires. You can do this by doing the same thing you did above, but run jumper wires between the connections to reverse the signal.

Lastly, and a not even very likely long shot... maybe the VSS is grounding out on the tranny casing....

If it works spinning it with a drill; my money is on the polarity being 180* off.

[KoukiMonsta]

Pull the VSS back out and observe inside where it plugs into the tranny while spinning the rear wheels... Maybe the part inside tranny is not doing what it's supposed to do.


**did this already, it spins. And spins full revolutions based of paint spreading between the two.

My other thought is that basically, the VSS is a phase-sensitive (polar), AC generator... Try reversing the polarity of the wires. You can do this by doing the same thing you did above, but run jumper wires between the connections to reverse the signal.

**i do know for a fact (and tested it) if you pull a speed sensor and spin either direction it will work. Even if you rapidly spin it quarter turn back and fourth you can see 10-12 mph. BUT I will try this just in case

Lastly, and a not even very likely long shot... maybe the VSS is grounding out on the tranny casing....

**i am not sure about the potential behind this one mike. But I am VERY glad your helping me think!

If it works spinning it with a drill; my money is on the polarity being 180* off.

Thank you for the reply good sir. I've got a few hours before work I will swap the wires first. Then test.
(Note asterisks and replies in quoted message)

[KoukiMonsta]

So, there is some which craft going on. That I am certain of.

Went and swapped the wires/polarity. Tested it and got nothing, which surprised me as I am fairly certain polarity is of no relevance.

So I swapped them back and tested it......NOTHING. Now I am thinking 'burn this sucker to the ground'

Confused as shit, double check everything and its good.

So at this point I swap in another cluster (that I had previously tested WITH EXACT SAME SENSOR/WIRING SETUP and it did not work)

Spin the VsS by hand and bam I get speedo reading. WHAT THE HELL. Swap other cluster and nothing. Swap back works again.

Plug sensor into tranny, fire it and up viola it's working.


So what I gather is I got some finicky clusters? I know they go bad but shit the thing worked for many many tests out of the tranny but not in, and once removed again it worked..a bit confusing.

Currently using the 'other' cluster and wondering how long it will work for. Damn wizardy is killing me.

So all you people with speedo issues....GOODLUCK

[S13GG]

sounds like a compromised wire somewhere...

an internal break or fatigue...

I say this because farting around got you mixed results...