I am trying to change my VSS

TUFFDEC1

MEMBER
1996 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
178,000 MILES

I am trying to change my VSS.I was able to remove the hold down bolt and remove the metal clip. When I tried pulling up on the Plastic Sensor, it came out but the rest of the unit is still down inside. The new Duralast Part comes with the entire unit, half Plastic and half Aluminum with o-ring etc. Can I just replace the Plastic Sensor and shaft? I am having trouble getting the sensor separated from the Aluminum end. I would prefer to get the whole unit out of the Transmission and do a complete repair. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1 Reply

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Yes. . ...the VSS. . ...I show two different transmissions for your vehicle. . ..the AX4S is located on the transaxle. . ...so by my pic it appears that since it is inside the speedometer cover, that there is a gear going the opposite way to the transaxle. . .that is why I suggested placing the car in neutral to take the torque off the transmission/gears to move freely. I apologize if that isn't the set up of your vehicle.

Let's look again. . .. . .I show a AX4S and AX4N transmission for your car.

Looking the AX4S I have attached the directions for removal on that. . ..I do notice that the removal discusses certain steps. . .. . ...specifically "Do not attempt to remove spring. . .." Now if I understand you on the attached pic. . ..I have a red arrow pointing to the speedometer cover. . ...and a red circle around the gear. . ...so we are talking about the same thing. . ..it the gear (red circle) still stuck in the cover (red arrow)

If so again, I would use needle nose pliers. . ...you may have to remove the cover. . ...a magnet. . ..
Can you wiggle it with your finger or is it really tight?

Since that clip appears to go through the cover, can you insert a small screwdriver or pointed tool in the slot and gently (so you don't damage the clip slot) pry it forward?
6. Disconnect electrical connector and speedometer cable from VSS. NOTE: Do not attempt to remove spring retaining clip from driven gear with speedometer cable in VSS.
7. Remove driven gear retainer and driven gear from VSS. Installation
Now if this isn't your model, then please get back with me and I will look at the other model and see what that is. . .. . ...

Also let me know if this doesn't help and we will be glad to try and suggest something else.

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)

AX4S Trans axle

Removal

Raise vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Section 00-02.
Remove Y-pipe and heated oxygen sensors (HO2S)(9F472) from the exhaust system.
Remove VSS exhaust heat shield.
4 Remove bolt retaining VSS mounting clip to transaxle.
5 Remove VSS and driven gear from transaxle.

Disconnect electrical connector and speedometer cable from VSS. NOTE: Do not attempt to remove spring retaining clip from driven gear with speedometer cable in VSS.
Remove driven gear retainer and driven gear from VSS. Installation
Position driven gear to VSS. Install gear retainer.
Connect electrical connector to VSS.
Ensure internal 0-ring is seated properly in VSS housing. Snap speedometer cable into VSS housing.
Install VSS into transaxle and secure with retaining bolt.
Install VSS exhaust heat shield.
Install Y-pipe and heated oxygen sensors to exhaust system.
Lower vehicle and verify proper speedometer I odometer operation.