How to Locate & Replace Ford Speed Sensors

by Thomas West

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) on your Ford vehicle is an electronic device that measures your vehicle’s speed. This information is sent to the electronic computer module (ECM), where it is shared with other vehicle systems that depend on this data. The function of several of your vehicle’s systems depend on data from the VSS and ECM, such as variable speed power steering, cruise control, anti-lock brakes and your speedometer. To correct your VSS-related problem, know where it is located and how to replace it.

Ford Light Truck VSS

Step 1

Back your truck up onto a set of car ramps. Set the parking brake and chock the front wheels.

Step 2

Crawl under the truck and locate the VSS mounted on the rear axle differential facing the front of the vehicle.

Step 3

Push down on the tabs on the wiring connector and pull it from the sensor. Remove the sensor holding bolt with a 10 mm wrench turned in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 4

Pull the sensor from the differential. Install a new sensor in the reverse order.

Rear-Drive Ford Car VSS

Step 1

Drive the car onto a set of car ramps. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels

Step 2

Crawl under the car and locate the VSS on the tail shaft of the transmission, which is near where the drive draft connects to the transmission.

Step 3

Push down on the release tab on the VSS and pull the speedometer cable from the sensor.

Step 4

Push down on the tabs on the wiring connector and pull it from the sensor. Remove the sensor holding bolt with a 7/16-inch wrench turned in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 5

Pull the VSS from the transmission tail shaft. Install a new VSS in the reverse order.

Front-Drive Ford Car VSS

Step 1

Raise the wheel on the sensor needing replaced (there is a VSS mounted on each corner of the car) with a floor jack until the wheel is off the ground. Place a jack stand under the frame rail and lower the jack.

Step 2

Remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench turned in a counterclockwise direction. Remove the wheel and place it aside.

Step 3

Locate the VSS behind the brake rotor. Spray penetrating fluid on the sensor and let it soak in for a few minutes.

Step 4

Push in on the tabs on the wiring connector and pull it out of the VSS. Remove the VSS holding bolt with a 7 mm wrench turned in a counterclockwise direction.