How to Disconnect Ford Escape VSS

by Marion Cobretti

The vehicle speed sensor, or VSS, monitors the rotation of the Ford Escape’s transmission. It sends this information to the power control module to help it determine shifting patterns as well as the current speed that you’re traveling. One of the first signs that you will notice if the VSS is defective is that the cruise control no longer works. You may also notice that your truck is taking significantly longer to change gears as well. You can disconnect the VSS on your Ford Escape right at home in less than 10 minutes.

Step 1

Apply the emergency brake on your Escape. Raise the front end with a hydraulic jack until the front tires are 18 inches off the ground.

Step 2

Place a jack stand beneath the frame rail on your Escape behind both of the front tires. Raise the support arm’s on both stands until they’re approximately 1 inch from making full contact with the frame rail on both sides. Slowly lower the hydraulic jack until your Escape rests on the support arms of both jack stands.

Step 3

Slide under your Escape in line with the lock on the driver’s door. On the left rear of the transmission you should see the VSS. The first inch of it will only be visible but it looks very similar to a spark plug.

Step 4

Unplug the wiring harness connected to the VSS. The plug on the harness has a small safety clip on it that you have to press down while disconnecting it. Push the safety clip down with your thumb nail or with a flat-head screwdriver.

Step 5

Remove the bolt securing the VSS in place on the Escape’s transmission with your socket wrench. Grasp the VSS and pull it out of its mounting position. Reverse the entire removal process to install a new VSS. Tighten the sensor’s securing bolt to 9 ft.-lbs. with a 3/8-inch drive torque wrench.

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