HELP! 96 Sable VSS Removal - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

jasonnewyork · 04-17-2005, 09:30

My speedometer has been sporadically jumping around on the highway. The needle will bounce between 30 annd 60 mph. I've searched the Internet on this problem and looks like it is caused by a faulty Vehilce Speed Sensor - so I went ahead an bought a new one at Autozone this weekend.

Here's where the problem is - I can't get the old one out. My car has an AX4N tranny and a Vulcan engine. I can get to the sensor from the top of the engine but there is very little room to work. I got the bolt securing it off but the sensor is frozen into the axle tube. I can see from the new sensor that the body is metal. I'm wondering if it's rusted in there.

Is there a special trick to get it out? I cannot get a wrench or pliers in the area and have been using my bare hands with no luck. I'd hate to have to goto the dealer. Let me know if you removed the VSS and how you did it.

LunaticSVT · 04-17-2005, 11:33

It is not secured any other way. No threading or anything. The replacement on this unit is a 6 hour job. It mostly has to do with dropping the trans. Sounds like yours is on there pretty tight due to time and probably a tiny bit of rust.

jasonnewyork · 04-18-2005, 10:05

I'm not too sure about dropping the trans to get this out. You can access it from the top of the engine bay or the front passenger side fender well. I agree that it's a tiny bit of rust holding in there. I might try it again this weekend but will use vise grips if I can get them in there. The Haynes manual suggests accessing it from below the car - something that will be difficult using a floor jack :). I'd like to hear from anyone who has replaced this before. Thanks for your support.

jasonnewyork · 04-20-2005, 07:22

Anyone have some advice?

**tbird100636** · 04-21-2005, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonnewyork

Anyone have some advice?

Yeah, if you have a 3.0 Vulcan with a AX4N you should not have to drop the trans to replace the VSS. It points straight up and is accessible from behind the engine under the hood, not under the vehicle. There is one bolt holding it into the trans. You will see the 2 wire connector. Just remove the bolt and pull out the VSS. 6 Hour job??? Must have been a SHO!!!