5 Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Speed Sensor (and Replacement Cost)

Various types of sensors provide vital feedback for your car’s operation. The transmission speed sensor (not to be confused with a wheel speed sensor) monitors gear shifting. Though built to last, they can fail. 

Read on to learn about the signs of a bad transmission speed sensor, what causes its failure, and how much it will cost to fix.

bad speed sensor symptoms

What is a Transmission Speed Sensor?

A vehicle’s transmission speed sensor (TSS) or speedometer sensor provides feedback regarding the speed at which a transmission’s output shaft is spinning. This sensor itself is generally mounted into a transmission’s output shaft housing.

This sensor corresponds to an output shaft-mounted reluctant wheel or speed sensor. As each tooth of this tone ring passes in front of the magnetic sensor’s probe, a detectable pulse is created.

The established pulse count mentioned above is relayed to a vehicle’s transmission control module and/or powertrain control module, where it is interpreted. In its interpreted form, this data is used to achieve a host of independent functions, including registering gear selection, recording transmission output, and tallying odometer mileage. 

In many vehicles, the transmission or vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is also used to determine speed, as displayed by the speedometer. This is factored instantaneously by the PCM, by entering the recorded pulse count into a preset algebraic equation, thereby making “speed” the variable that is being solved for.

transmission speed sensor symptoms

Vehicle Speed Sensor Location

The transmission or vehicle speed sensor is most often located along the tail shaft housing of a vehicle’s transmission. This positioning is necessary, due to the sensor’s need to adequately record the speed of overall powertrain output.

This differs from base engine speed, as recorded by a vehicle’s camshaft/crankshaft sensors, which is tallied without respect for gearing within a vehicle’s transmission.

The TSS corresponds to an output shaft mounted reluctor/tone ring. Without this specialty tone ring, the transmission speed sensor function would grind to a halt, as no defined feedback would be achieved.

Because of that, the location of this tone ring directly governs the positioning of the transmission speed sensor itself.

Bad Transmission Speed Sensor Symptoms

The failure of a transmission speed sensor is often accompanied by a host of secondary symptoms, some of which tend to be more noticeable than others. Being able to identify these symptoms can be advantageous when trying to quickly diagnose the problem.

The following are several of the most common signs associated with transmission speed sensor failure.

#1 – Erratic or Harsh Shifting

whining noise when accelerating

Since data collected by a vehicle’s transmission speed sensor is used to determine shift timing, failure of this critical component can cause erratic shifting. A transmission might shift early or late when this occurs.

#2 – Cruise Control Failure

does cruise control save gas?

Transmission speed sensor data is also used to sustain the cruise control function. In many cases, cruise control will be disabled as a safety measure, in the event that transmission speed sensor feedback becomes compromised.

#3 – Lack of Speedometer Operation

speedometer not working

Some vehicles convert feedback from the transmission speed sensor into displayable speed readings, via the speedometer. When this feedback is not delivered, speedometer operation often suffers or becomes erratic.

#4 – Reduced Fuel Economy

Ford F150 gas mileage

Because transmission speed sensor data is required to determine the proper timing of torque converter lockup, a failure of this sensor can prevent the engagement of the torque converter at optimal timing.

As a result, fuel economy often suffers.

#5 – Check Engine Light

check engine light

A vehicle’s PCM uses the transmission speed sensor to determine the speed of the vehicle and the appropriate gear to use for the best performance. With a transmission speed sensor malfunction, the data to make these calculations is lost

As a result, the PCM sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that corresponds to the issue and alerts the driver in the form of a check engine light illuminating in the dashboard gauge cluster.

For example, DTC P0500 (Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction) or DTC P0720 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor) may appear to confirm the issue. On some vehicles (namely Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler), an ESP BAS warning light may come on.

See Also: Ford AdvanceTrac Problems

What Causes the Transmission Speed Sensor to Fail?

In most cases, transmission speed sensors ultimately fail at the hands of the elements. Rainwater, road salt, and dust all wreak havoc upon a speed sensor throughout its lifetime, often causing the sensor itself to deteriorate structurally. As the sensor becomes increasingly brittle, failure is imminent.

The integrity of a vehicle’s transmission speed sensor can also be compromised by a lack of proper maintenance. The magnetic probe of a sensor of this type can easily become covered in sludge if a vehicle’s transmission fluid is neglected. In turn, the longevity of a vehicle’s transmission speed sensor is ultimately reduced.

Transmission Speed Sensor Replacement Cost

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transmission speed sensor replacement cost

The amount you’ll spend on transmission speed sensor replacement often varies from one model of vehicle to the next, due to discrepancies in parts and labor costs.

Fortunately, in most cases, this repair does not tend to be exceedingly expensive, and can often be completed in less than two hours. Of course, there is the occasional outlier or specialty case that must be considered.

On average, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $175 to $350 to have your vehicle’s transmission speed sensor replaced. Parts costs generally account for $50-$100 of the total, while the rest is attributed to labor, which often tallies 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is It Safe to Continue Driving?

While it is technically possible to drive a vehicle with a faulty transmission speed sensor, doing so for extended periods of time is not advised. This stems from the fact that a number of critical vehicle functions are often affected by the failure of a transmission speed sensor.

In many cases, a vehicle’s transmission will fail to shift as it otherwise should, with the failure of a transmission speed sensor. Shifting often becomes erratic at best, posing quite a problem.

Additionally, you may find that your vehicle’s cruise control has been disabled when such a failure occurs. Fuel economy often decreases as a result of transmission speed sensor failure as well.

In any event, the root cause of a vehicle’s transmission speed sensor should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so will prevent further hardship from arising, and could even save you from finding yourself stranded along the roadside.

For most car owners, it’s best to let the pros handle this type of repair.

Will a Bad Speed Sensor Stop a Car From Shifting?

In some cases, yes, a bad speed sensor can stop a car from shifting gears or even from starting. But in most cases, you will experience shifts that are rough or are made more quickly than usual.

How a Mechanic Diagnoses a Faulty Transmission Speed Sensor

A faulty transmission speed sensor can be diagnosed in a couple of different ways. The first, and most common of which involves monitoring feedback from the sensor itself with the use of a high quality OBD2 scanner.

This data can often be graphed, showing any abnormalities. The presence of these abnormalities, even in the presence of proper ground/reference voltage delivery would be indicative of a faulty speed sensor.

Alternatively, a digital multimeter and oscilloscope can be used for much the same purpose. With a vehicle’s key in the “ON” position, a multimeter is used to check for the presence of a satisfactory ground, and ample reference circuit voltage, at the transmission speed sensor pigtail.

An oscilloscope is then used to analyze the output of the speed sensor circuit while the vehicle’s drive tires are elevated and turning at low speed. Of course, this requires a number of specialty safety measures to be taken.

Josh Boyd

29 Comments

  1. Have Corolla 2009 and I just changed the transmission sensor. I realized the cloud had changed color and the no acceleration problem comes back only in the evenings causing rpm to rise ver high. Is it the fluid causing this? Cos throttle was changed as well being one of the causatives.

    Could the transmission oil be changed which will end this issues of acceleration stoppage most times?

  2. My LC 80 series has a habit of downshifting hard since a while.Changed the TPS sensor but problen tho better is still there.Now the speedo has stopped functioning.Could it be the transmission speed sensor?Thanks

    1. Check the transmission fluid. If that looks ok, you might want to have a transmission shop take a look at it.

      Hard shifting is a sign that there could be a bigger problem inside the transmission. I don’t think a new speed sensor is going to help.

  3. Hi I have a 2013 Chevy equinox the trouble I’m having is with the transmission I believe. I recently had the tranny flushed. Check engine light is on. Reading code po700. It’s saying That could be numerous things. Just wondering if the Tcm needs replaced

  4. I have a 2006 infiniti suv, the engine broke down so i had to replace with a new engine but after doing that the automatic gear wont move at d when the engine is cold so i had to move it with g1 before it moves then return back to D then it engage when the engine is hot. how do i fix the problem

    1. I am not sure. Check the factory service manual for the vehicle to see if there is a step you missed, or a specific troubleshooting step to take in this scenario.

  5. Engine light always on
    Speedomiter dont work anymore
    Abs and brake light always on
    Idle runs low and erratic
    Stalls in drive/park
    Transmission skips randomly like its missing a gear.

    04 dodge ram 1500

  6. I hv a chrysler voyager 3.3L v6 my problem is power wen I Rev it de revs doesn’t even reach 2rpm it stops under 2, cn it b a speed sensor problem?

    1. At wide open throttle the tachometer won’t exceed 2k RPM while you’re standing still? I doubt it’s the speed sensor.

      Is your check engine light on? What are the codes?

  7. hello my vehicle fiesta 2006 1.4 petrol. Could the speed sensor I want to ask cause p0420 failure? I have one more problem, my vehicle is running very loud. Does the speed sensor have an effect on the noisy operation?

    1. No, it shouldn’t affect either of those things. P0420 is a catalytic converter efficiency code. I’m guessing the loud operation is due to an exhaust leak. The loud operation and P0420 may be related, though. You’ll have to have the exhaust system inspected to determine where the leak is, and do a bit more diagnostics on the catalytic converter operation.

  8. I have 2003 chevy s10 zr2 4×4. I’ve replaced my vehicle speed sensor three times now. It will work fine for a bit but after a couple months its time to replace it again. Any insite?

    1. Do you still have the sensors you replaced? I would inspect those to see if there is any damage to the sensor or anything suspicious with the wiring.

  9. I have a 2002 Hyundai Elantra gls and when I put it in drive it stalls out but when I put it in reverse it drives fine. Can this be a transmission speed sensor issue. Can anyone help me with this problem. Thank you.

    1. It’s probably not the speed sensor. I would look at your idle air control valve. You might need to look deeper into the transmission, though.

  10. my 1998 ford explorer speedometer stopped working then works then stops. why would it work off and on. is there a way to fix it

    1. It sounds like your vehicle speed sensor is going out, or you possibly have a grounding or wiring issue with the wires that lead to the sensor. Intermittent issues like that are often electrical in nature. It should be fixable, but you’ll have to have someone take a look at it to know for sure.

  11. We have a 2006 Nissan titan 2 wheel drive we’ve fixed the speed sensor inside of transmission and one on the side which i think is the output sensor and it’s still acting up. Once on the hwy when we hit 60 mph it sounds kind of loud and when barley taking off we feel a grinding noise and it’s burning oil from the engine like crazy do u know if there’s another sensor?

    1. It shouldn’t damage the speed sensor but towing a rear-wheel drive vehicle backwards is just asking for trouble since the front wheels are made for turning. It could fishtail or you could break the steering linkage. The correct way would be to disconnect the driveshaft and tow with the front wheels on a dolly or simply use a flatbed trailer.

  12. I have a 2007 Toyota Camry. I had to have a Jump start yesterday and when I got it, I went to go take off in my car and it wouldnt move. My foot was on accelerator and the rpm would only got 5o 2 and the idle only would go ton15 mph by itself. Accelerator wouldnt work. I changed battery and checked all fuses. And I tried to reset it like I was showed on you tube. Still nothing what could be wrong

  13. i have a 2004 mercedez c240. My gear will not change even after a long drive i have changed my faulty speed sensors but the problem still remains. do i also change the back axle shaft.

  14. I have a 2000 dodge neon and when you have it started and your foot on the patel and take it off it shunts off and the rpm gauges dont work i need help.

    1. I took out the vehicle speed sensor from the side of the transmission 2002 Grand Marquis. The gear at the end is worn. Where can I buy another one. Most new sensors don’t come with a new gear

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