"DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
news:8jb7b.788$8o3.754@news2.central.***.net...
> They claimed that "it wasn't seized
> that badly"
>

I think that says it all...

 

":-)" <nomail@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:yCj7b.287$ev2.235890@newssrv26.news.prodigy.c om...
> Steve -
>
> Thanks for the tip.
>
> 1) Is the vehicle speed sensor an item that is easily
> accessible/replaceable for the home mechanic?

My experience is that it is easier on a Jeep than most other
vehicles... the sensor is on the transfer case on my XJ,
you can replace it with common hand tools just by crawling
under. Try replacing it on a Taurus... POS has to have the
Y-pipe dropped, among other things.

> 2) Is there a test that one can perform on this part to verify failure (I
> am an electronics type geek-access at work to lots of test equipment)

With an intermittent failure such as this, it's often more expedient to
just start replacing stuff, the easy/cheap stuff first. You may find it
full of fluid, a sure sign of failure.

> 3) I assume the VSS is an interface between the trans and computer
module,
> tells the trans when its time to shift. Am I close?

Exactly... you would notice things like cruise control dropping out,
or electronic speedo falling to zero. It should pop a code for wrong
speed in gear.

> 4) Any idea of approx cost to replace by the dealership?

Probably around $150... not sure. Like I said, it's very easy
to replace on an XJ, I'm not sure where it's located on yours.

> BTW - I did have my trans fluid changed by a quick oil change place. But
> that was performed about a year and a half ago. This problem has recently
> surfaced within the past 3 months. That and a noisy sound from the rear
> that sounds like a worn caliper constantly dragging on a rotor. The posts
> about GCL and problem rear diffs are scaring me.

I don't think they're related... VSS failure is a common thing, my sister
just
had one go out on her Honda ('92 Civic DX) last month. Luckily, she was
near the bosom of the family; I was able to call and have the part shipped,
then talk my brother through putting it in. Part was $120, but that's
Honda.

Get yourself some kind of manual... Haynes is cheap, and not so bad,
factory manual is better.
__
Steve
..

 

":-)" <nomail@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:yCj7b.287$ev2.235890@newssrv26.news.prodigy.c om...
> Steve -
>
> Thanks for the tip.
>
> 1) Is the vehicle speed sensor an item that is easily
> accessible/replaceable for the home mechanic?

My experience is that it is easier on a Jeep than most other
vehicles... the sensor is on the transfer case on my XJ,
you can replace it with common hand tools just by crawling
under. Try replacing it on a Taurus... POS has to have the
Y-pipe dropped, among other things.

> 2) Is there a test that one can perform on this part to verify failure (I
> am an electronics type geek-access at work to lots of test equipment)

With an intermittent failure such as this, it's often more expedient to
just start replacing stuff, the easy/cheap stuff first. You may find it
full of fluid, a sure sign of failure.

> 3) I assume the VSS is an interface between the trans and computer
module,
> tells the trans when its time to shift. Am I close?

Exactly... you would notice things like cruise control dropping out,
or electronic speedo falling to zero. It should pop a code for wrong
speed in gear.

> 4) Any idea of approx cost to replace by the dealership?

Probably around $150... not sure. Like I said, it's very easy
to replace on an XJ, I'm not sure where it's located on yours.

> BTW - I did have my trans fluid changed by a quick oil change place. But
> that was performed about a year and a half ago. This problem has recently
> surfaced within the past 3 months. That and a noisy sound from the rear
> that sounds like a worn caliper constantly dragging on a rotor. The posts
> about GCL and problem rear diffs are scaring me.

I don't think they're related... VSS failure is a common thing, my sister
just
had one go out on her Honda ('92 Civic DX) last month. Luckily, she was
near the bosom of the family; I was able to call and have the part shipped,
then talk my brother through putting it in. Part was $120, but that's
Honda.

Get yourself some kind of manual... Haynes is cheap, and not so bad,
factory manual is better.
__
Steve
..

 

I haven't had that problem, but also have a '97 ZJ and had a related
problem you might check for. The transmission has an output shaft speed
sensor located on the lower left side of the trans right before the xfer
case. The VSS/speedometer sensor is on the rear portion of the transfer
case up toward the top. On mine trans fluid was seaping out around the
trans sensor into the electrical connection causing a trouble code. The
dealer changed mine under warranty, but it would be a simple DIY task.
The sensor is a nylon/plastic hex plug with a 2 wire connector. It might
be as easy as a dirty connector. I don't know which of the 2 sensors is
used for what or if one backs up the other in case of failure.

In article <Kck7b.416$VP7.207@newssvr24.news.prodigy.com>,
scowell@sbcglobal.net says...
>
> ":-)" <nomail@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:yCj7b.287$ev2.235890@newssrv26.news.prodigy.c om...
> > Steve -
> >
> > Thanks for the tip.
> >
> > 1) Is the vehicle speed sensor an item that is easily
> > accessible/replaceable for the home mechanic?
>
> My experience is that it is easier on a Jeep than most other
> vehicles... the sensor is on the transfer case on my XJ,
> you can replace it with common hand tools just by crawling
> under. Try replacing it on a Taurus... POS has to have the
> Y-pipe dropped, among other things.
>
> > 2) Is there a test that one can perform on this part to verify failure (I
> > am an electronics type geek-access at work to lots of test equipment)
>
> With an intermittent failure such as this, it's often more expedient to
> just start replacing stuff, the easy/cheap stuff first. You may find it
> full of fluid, a sure sign of failure.
>
> > 3) I assume the VSS is an interface between the trans and computer
> module,
> > tells the trans when its time to shift. Am I close?
>
> Exactly... you would notice things like cruise control dropping out,
> or electronic speedo falling to zero. It should pop a code for wrong
> speed in gear.
>
> > 4) Any idea of approx cost to replace by the dealership?
>
> Probably around $150... not sure. Like I said, it's very easy
> to replace on an XJ, I'm not sure where it's located on yours.
>
> > BTW - I did have my trans fluid changed by a quick oil change place. But
> > that was performed about a year and a half ago. This problem has recently
> > surfaced within the past 3 months. That and a noisy sound from the rear
> > that sounds like a worn caliper constantly dragging on a rotor. The posts
> > about GCL and problem rear diffs are scaring me.
>
> I don't think they're related... VSS failure is a common thing, my sister
> just
> had one go out on her Honda ('92 Civic DX) last month. Luckily, she was
> near the bosom of the family; I was able to call and have the part shipped,
> then talk my brother through putting it in. Part was $120, but that's
> Honda.
>
> Get yourself some kind of manual... Haynes is cheap, and not so bad,
> factory manual is better.
> __
> Steve
> .
>
>
>
>

 

I haven't had that problem, but also have a '97 ZJ and had a related
problem you might check for. The transmission has an output shaft speed
sensor located on the lower left side of the trans right before the xfer
case. The VSS/speedometer sensor is on the rear portion of the transfer
case up toward the top. On mine trans fluid was seaping out around the
trans sensor into the electrical connection causing a trouble code. The
dealer changed mine under warranty, but it would be a simple DIY task.
The sensor is a nylon/plastic hex plug with a 2 wire connector. It might
be as easy as a dirty connector. I don't know which of the 2 sensors is
used for what or if one backs up the other in case of failure.

In article <Kck7b.416$VP7.207@newssvr24.news.prodigy.com>,
scowell@sbcglobal.net says...
>
> ":-)" <nomail@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:yCj7b.287$ev2.235890@newssrv26.news.prodigy.c om...
> > Steve -
> >
> > Thanks for the tip.
> >
> > 1) Is the vehicle speed sensor an item that is easily
> > accessible/replaceable for the home mechanic?
>
> My experience is that it is easier on a Jeep than most other
> vehicles... the sensor is on the transfer case on my XJ,
> you can replace it with common hand tools just by crawling
> under. Try replacing it on a Taurus... POS has to have the
> Y-pipe dropped, among other things.
>
> > 2) Is there a test that one can perform on this part to verify failure (I
> > am an electronics type geek-access at work to lots of test equipment)
>
> With an intermittent failure such as this, it's often more expedient to
> just start replacing stuff, the easy/cheap stuff first. You may find it
> full of fluid, a sure sign of failure.
>
> > 3) I assume the VSS is an interface between the trans and computer
> module,
> > tells the trans when its time to shift. Am I close?
>
> Exactly... you would notice things like cruise control dropping out,
> or electronic speedo falling to zero. It should pop a code for wrong
> speed in gear.
>
> > 4) Any idea of approx cost to replace by the dealership?
>
> Probably around $150... not sure. Like I said, it's very easy
> to replace on an XJ, I'm not sure where it's located on yours.
>
> > BTW - I did have my trans fluid changed by a quick oil change place. But
> > that was performed about a year and a half ago. This problem has recently
> > surfaced within the past 3 months. That and a noisy sound from the rear
> > that sounds like a worn caliper constantly dragging on a rotor. The posts
> > about GCL and problem rear diffs are scaring me.
>
> I don't think they're related... VSS failure is a common thing, my sister
> just
> had one go out on her Honda ('92 Civic DX) last month. Luckily, she was
> near the bosom of the family; I was able to call and have the part shipped,
> then talk my brother through putting it in. Part was $120, but that's
> Honda.
>
> Get yourself some kind of manual... Haynes is cheap, and not so bad,
> factory manual is better.
> __
> Steve
> .
>
>
>
>

 

Steve Cowell wrote:
> ":-)" <nomail@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:yCj7b.287$ev2.235890@newssrv26.news.prodigy.c om...
>> Steve -
>>
>> Thanks for the tip.
>>
>> 1) Is the vehicle speed sensor an item that is easily
>> accessible/replaceable for the home mechanic?
>
> My experience is that it is easier on a Jeep than most other
> vehicles... the sensor is on the transfer case on my XJ,
> you can replace it with common hand tools just by crawling
> under. Try replacing it on a Taurus... POS has to have the
> Y-pipe dropped, among other things.

http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes/sensor-speed.jpg

The speed sensor is just a simple switch. Take it out and put
an ommeter across the leads. Spin the sensor and you can
see the circuit make and break.

>> 2) Is there a test that one can perform on this part to verify failure (I
>> am an electronics type geek-access at work to lots of test equipment)
>
> With an intermittent failure such as this, it's often more expedient to
> just start replacing stuff, the easy/cheap stuff first. You may find it
> full of fluid, a sure sign of failure.

The first thing to do is always check your connections. Remember what
happens to circuits when a ground floats? :)



--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors

 

Steve Cowell wrote:
> ":-)" <nomail@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:yCj7b.287$ev2.235890@newssrv26.news.prodigy.c om...
>> Steve -
>>
>> Thanks for the tip.
>>
>> 1) Is the vehicle speed sensor an item that is easily
>> accessible/replaceable for the home mechanic?
>
> My experience is that it is easier on a Jeep than most other
> vehicles... the sensor is on the transfer case on my XJ,
> you can replace it with common hand tools just by crawling
> under. Try replacing it on a Taurus... POS has to have the
> Y-pipe dropped, among other things.

http://members.***.net/wilsond/Fixes/sensor-speed.jpg

The speed sensor is just a simple switch. Take it out and put
an ommeter across the leads. Spin the sensor and you can
see the circuit make and break.

>> 2) Is there a test that one can perform on this part to verify failure (I
>> am an electronics type geek-access at work to lots of test equipment)
>
> With an intermittent failure such as this, it's often more expedient to
> just start replacing stuff, the easy/cheap stuff first. You may find it
> full of fluid, a sure sign of failure.

The first thing to do is always check your connections. Remember what
happens to circuits when a ground floats? :)



--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.***.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors