If you can’t see how fast you’re driving and struggle to shift the gear, your failing vehicle speed sensor may be a bigger problem than you imagined.
A vehicle speed sensor (VSS) tracks your car’s speed and sends the data to the speedometer and other systems to ensure a safe drive. If it doesn’t work, you must get it replaced ASAP.
Let’s go over your vehicle speed sensor replacement cost, its causes, and some tips for maintaining the new unit.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor?
- 7 Critical Signs You Need a New Vehicle Speed Sensor
- How Long Does a Vehicle Speed Sensor Last?
- How Do You Diagnose a Faulty Speed Sensor?
- What Are the Steps to Replace a Vehicle Speed Sensor?
- How to Prevent a Vehicle Speed Sensor From Malfunctioning
How Much Does a Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement Cost?
Here’s how you can budget for a vehicle speed sensor replacement:
A. Range
You’ll likely spend between $280 and $360 to replace a VSS or transmission speed sensor.
- Parts: $160 to $190
- Labor: $120 to $170
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Apart from your vehicle’s make and model and car repair shop charges, other factors that impact your bill include:
- Sensor type: Depending on your vehicle, you’ll need a Hall effect or a Reed-switch vehicle speed sensor. Of these, Hall effect sensors are costlier as they are more advanced and precise.
- The number of sensors: Many cars have two sensors, one located in front of the transmission housing and the other fixed towards the rear. If both need to be replaced, your auto repair charges will increase.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs aftermarket parts: OEM sensors are pricier but last longer than aftermarket ones. Another reason OEM sensors are better is that the aftermarket units may not be compatible with the onboard systems.
Is It Worth Replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor?
Definitely!
When the faulty sensor can’t measure your vehicle’s rotational speed, you’ll face several issues, such as:
- Inconsistent speedometer readings: Without the sensor’s data, you’ll have no clue about the speed at which you’re driving. So, you may unknowingly break traffic rules in areas like school districts or rural highways where you’re supposed to drive under a certain speed limit.
- Disabled cruise control: Your car’s cruise control relies on the speed sensor’s data to maintain a stable speed, but it’ll automatically deactivate if there’s no information.
- Poor engine performance: If the Engine Control Module (ECM) doesn’t have enough speed data, it can’t adjust functions like the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing, which affect the engine’s performance.
As these problems accumulate, your car’s transmission will struggle to keep up and get overheated, leading to a complete failure.
7 Critical Signs You Need a New Vehicle Speed Sensor
Watch out for these symptoms that indicate a vehicle speed sensor failure:
- Rough gear shifting
- Non-working odometer
- Rough idling or weak acceleration due to incorrect speed information
- Deactivated anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control
- Transmission overheating
- An illuminated anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, or check engine light
- Poor fuel economy
How Long Does a Vehicle Speed Sensor Last?
A vehicle speed sensor usually lasts around 100,000 to 150,000 miles and only needs to be replaced when it malfunctions.
However, in some cases, you’ll need to replace it sooner, especially if:
- It wears out with regular use
- It’s contaminated by dirt, water, or road salt
- It gets damaged by uneven road surfaces or debris
- There are loose or corroded wires around the sensor
- You’ve been inconsistent with the transmission’s routine maintenance
- The sensor is defective
How Do You Diagnose a Faulty Speed Sensor?
To determine whether your vehicle speed sensor is bad, you’ll need a multimeter and OBD-II scanner to check the readings. Apart from that, you’ll also have to inspect the transmission assembly under the car.
Since this process requires technical knowledge and experience, it’s best to call a professional mechanic for help.
Here’s how they’ll determine your car has a speed sensor failure:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to check error codes. Common codes that indicate a sensor-related issue range from P0500 to P0503.
- Inspect the sensor for any visible damage.
- Test the sensor’s voltage and output signal using a multimeter.
- Compare the multimeter readings using the owner’s manual.
- Look for loose wiring and dirty connectors.
After performing these steps, if they find any problem, they’ll replace the sensor.
What Are the Steps to Replace a Vehicle Speed Sensor?
Here’s a look at how your mechanic will swap out the faulty sensor:
- Lift the vehicle using jack stands.
- Remove the connector between the car’s wiring harness and speed sensor.
- Loosen and remove the defective speed sensor with a socket wrench.
- Place a drain pan under the transmission area in case there’s some fluid loss while detaching the sensor.
- Install the new speed sensor and reattach the connector to the wiring.
- Top up the system to the recommended level with fresh transmission fluid.
- Start the engine and test drive the vehicle.
How to Prevent a Vehicle Speed Sensor From Malfunctioning
Help your transmission speed sensor last longer with these tips:
- Avoid driving over dusty roads and water puddles to prevent sludge accumulation.
- Don’t drive with a heavy load often, as it could strain or overheat the transmission, damaging the sensors.
- Get the transmission assembly checked every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for fluid leaks, dirty sensors, or loose wiring.
- Make sure you get any sensor-related issues checked and repaired promptly.
Speed Sensor Replacement Made Easy with AutoNation Mobile Service
Bad transmission speed sensors can cause the speedometer and other systems to malfunction, impacting engine performance and triggering the check engine light. Ignoring these failing sensors can also lead to extensive damage, so you should get them replaced ASAP.
Worried you can’t make it to the garage safely?
Call mobile mechanics from AutoNation Mobile Service to swiftly check and replace the faulty sensor.
We’re a mobile auto repair solution that offers upfront pricing and easy online bookings. All our services, including ABS control module or transmission repairs, come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Contact us to get your speed sensor replaced right from your driveway.