What happens when your transmission speed sensor goes out
Even if one of these systems fails, the engine will also fail. Depending on the system, the engine can be repaired immediately or only after a very expensive repair.
Engine no longer starts – fuel system failure
If the car won’t start or stop, the first suspect is usually the fuel supply. If the engine does not start, even if the choke tries, the car may run out of fuel. If the fuel gauge still shows a residual amount, the fuel level sensor may have been left in the tank. You can check this by adding a little fuel and trying to start again. This requires some patience because a completely empty fuel system must first bleed out.
If the tank empties strangely fast, check for the smell of gasoline. It’s possible that the fuel hose has a leak. Finally, it’s also possible that the fuel pump has stopped working.
The car often breaks down – a problem with the transmission system
The car does not start cold A failure of the power train often has serious consequences. If the timing belt or chain breaks, the engine will stop immediately and not start again. In this case, the interior of the engine is often seriously damaged and very expensive to repair. You can check this by looking at the timing belt or chain case. If the transmission elements are loose, the cause has been found. A repair does not involve replacing the belt or chain. The motor must be completely dismantled.
Trolley compression does not start – Power failure
Car doesn’t start at the spark plugs If the car doesn’t start, the most common cause is a power failure. Electricity is generated in an electric generator, stored in a battery and passed through the ignition coil and the spark plug distributor in the engine compartment. Electrical energy must always flow into the circuits. In the event of a circuit interruption, the electrical energy is no longer transferred and is returned to the electrical generator by the body. Therefore, the electrical generator and the battery must always be grounded, i.e. connected to the body.
Corrosion can occur between this power cable and the body. If this is not detected, the car’s ignition will deteriorate until it stops working at some point. The solution to this problem is very simple. Unscrew the ground wires, polish them until they are clean and cover them with grease. Then screw them back in and the problem disappears.
The engine won’t start The ignition coil converts the 24 volt current supplied by the generator into a powerful 10,000 volt ignition current. From the coil, the cable goes to the distributor. This cable can be removed in older vehicles. This would be the simplest reason if the car did not start again. Just put the cable in the right position and that’s it. But if the cable is in place and sparks appear during the start, the insulation layer is damaged and a rodent bite could be the cause. As a temporary measure, the ignition cable should be wrapped with insulating tape.
After starting the car, check the entire engine compartment for further rodent bites. Damage to the coolant hose can cause complete engine damage.
What are the symptoms of a defective speed sensor?
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is also commonly referred to as the gearbox or output shaft speed sensor. It is a small device, usually mounted somewhere on the gearbox, that determines vehicle speed by measuring the rotation of the pinion on the shaft inside the gearbox.
The VSS generates low voltage signals, which are transmitted to one or more computers called control units.
A faulty speed sensor can have a greater effect than a speedometer. The engine and transmission control system depends on the data provided by the VSS to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle, other systems (e.g. cruise control) may also use this data.
In other words, a faulty speed sensor has the potential to reduce the ability to drive safely. Therefore, it is good to know the signs of a faulty speed sensor.
The vehicle’s speedometer
A faulty speed sensor can affect the performance of the speedometer and limit the ability to drive safely.
5 common symptoms of a faulty speed sensor
1. transmission problems
The vehicle speed information transmitted by the VSS will be used by the Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Power System Control Module (PCM) to determine the shift time. Therefore, a defective speed sensor has a direct impact on the automatic transmission.
One of the most common signs of a defective speed sensor is a malfunction in the automatic transmission. If the VSS is defective, the gearbox may show symptoms such as delayed gear shifting, gear shifting and limited gear operation.
2. irregular speedometer readings
Many vehicles use the VSS as their main input to the speedometer, which means that a faulty VSS can cause the speedometer to display an irregular value or none at all.
Your vehicle will continue to operate without a working speedometer. However, if you do not know how fast you are driving, it will be difficult to drive safely.
Inability to activate the cruise control
In general, the PCM automatically turns off the vehicle’s cruise control if it does not receive information from the VSS. This is because the system needs the sensor data to keep the vehicle moving at a constant speed.
Vehicle Cruise Control
A faulty speed sensor can automatically deactivate your vehicle’s cruise control.
4 Unused torque converter clutch
The clutch with the torque converter is activated at the programmed speed. Without precise information from the vehicle’s speed sensors, the torque converter in the gearbox is not able to activate the clutch and establish a mechanical connection between the engine and the gearbox.
This can lead to slippage, lower fuel consumption and overheating of the transmission.
5. check that the engine light is on
The PCM can activate the vehicle’s engine test light for several reasons, one of which is a defective VSS. Connect the vehicle to the OBD II Scan Tool to confirm that the error code indicates a defective VSS.
Other warning lights may also appear on the dashboard, such as on the traction control and ABS.
What causes the speed sensor to fail?
1. Internal electrical fault in the speed sensor
An internally defective speed monitor may cause an incorrect output signal or a lost signal. Normally the sensor can be tested with a voltmeter or a digital oscilloscope.
If you suspect you have a defective VSS, contact a trusted mechanic to test it and replace it if necessary.
2. Damage to the sensor itself
The speed sensor may be damaged or broken. In addition, the plastic part of the sensor may become brittle after prolonged exposure to the components.
The magnetic part of the sensor may also wear out and become damaged over time.
The speed sensor measures the rotation of the gearbox on the shaft within the transmission to determine the speed at which the car is driving.
3. Vehicles in poor condition
Failure to comply with the vehicle’s maintenance schedule may increase the risk of speed sensor failure. This device is not capable of taking correct readings if the magnetic pad and/or sprocket wheel are heavily soiled, especially with old dirt in the transmission fluid.
Is it safe to drive with a defective speed sensor?
Although it is technically possible to operate the vehicle without a properly functioning speed sensor, we strongly advise against doing so. A defective VSS can have a negative impact on various aspects of vehicle operation, so it is best to replace the defective speed sensor as soon as possible.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately or repair the problem yourself (if you know how to drive). This will ensure your safety on the road and help avoid costly engine and transmission damage in the future. If the faulty sensor is not replaced, both systems may be affected, as they do not have the information required for optimal operation.
Not only will these repairs cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars, but they can be more difficult to repair and leave your vehicle unused longer than necessary.
