Can you drive without a VSS sensor?

While it’s technically possible to operate your vehicle without a properly functioning vehicle speed sensor, it is strongly discouraged. A faulty VSS can negatively impact multiple aspects of vehicle operation—which is why it’s best to replace a bad speed sensor as soon as possible.

How do you test a VSS?

Connect the VSS to a power drill so you can simulate the rotation of the vehicle’s transmission and read the multimeter to see if the voltage increases as the speed increases to check if the sensor is working properly.

Can a VSS cause limp mode?

The wheel speed sensor provides critical information to other systems in the car to run the car efficiently. In such cases, the wheel speed sensor cannot be said to put your car in limp mode. The ABS computerized system will interpret any inaccurate information from the wheel speed sensors as loss of traction.

What does the VSS control?

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) measures transmission/transaxle output or wheel speed. The ECM uses this information to modify engine functions such as ignition timing, air/fuel ratio, transmission shift points, and to initiate diagnostic routines.

What happens if I disconnect the speed sensor?

If it’s the wheel speed sensors (like for the ABS) the car will run but the ABS system won’t be able to do its job. If we’re talking about any engine sensors, the engine MIGHT still run, but it will likely run poorly or throw a check engine light.

What happens if you don’t replace speed sensor?

When the sensor is broken, it causes the entire system to be disabled because it can’t function without the proper data. A disabled ABS system can even impact other safety mechanisms, such as electronic stability control and traction control.

How can you tell if the speed sensor is bad?

Disconnect the sensor from the housing on the transmission, as indicated in the repair manual for your car. Disconnect the sensor’s wire coupling. Using the multimeter’s voltmeter connect the probes to the ground and reference wires in the connector. If no voltage is received, the sensor is faulty.

How do you troubleshoot a speed sensor?

How to Troubleshoot Speed Sensors

  1. 1.) Check Sensor Connection.
  2. 2.) Check Gap.
  3. 3.) Resistance Measurement (two wire plug only)
  4. 4.) Check Power (three wire plug only)
  5. 5.) Check Wiring (three wire plug only)

Will a bad speed sensor cause a check engine light?

The Check Engine Light Indicates You may not be able to tell whether or not it comes from the transmission speed sensors unless you check. If you can’t do this on your own, call a mechanic to determine the cause of the problem. Sometimes the sensors may need to be replaced.