It is likely that you have a bad VSS or vehicle speed sensor. The ECM gets a signal from the VSS and sends it to the speedometer. It is possible that it is an ECM or wiring problem too but not as likely.

Answered by promechanic (expert)
556 answers provided

Thanks for the reply.
Can you please tell me where the VSS located?
I have an old Haynes book bit I cannot find it.
Thanks

Response from thefiretech
2 questions asked

It is located on the right rear of engine on the transaxle.

Answered by promechanic (expert)
556 answers provided

I'm glad it wasn't a snake.
Thanks

Response from thefiretech
2 questions asked

You're welcome

Answered by promechanic (expert)
556 answers provided

Aside from pulling the tire and looking for/at the speed sensor, how can I tell which one I need. There seem to be two types for two different model tranny. A 3 speed and a 4 speed. I think it's a 4 speed, by the number of shifts but not sure. How can I tell the difference?
Thanks

Response from thefiretech
2 questions asked

Probably the best thing to do is determine what transmission you have. You can check the transmission for a tag or sometimes it will say on the pan. You might have to take a picture of the shape of the transmission pan and look it up online. Or you can post it here and I can find it for you.

Answered by promechanic (expert)
556 answers provided

Hello:
I snapped these pics of the transmission. I was working on another issue-lots of water, from under the car, from the a/c even after being parked and some water on the passenger side on the floor after it rains. Seems that the drain tube was clogged. (I hope that was the problem.)
But I digress-
I believe I saw the VSS. Looks like the images on the web. The connector looks like it's wet from an oil leak somewhere. The VSS is right below and a little to the left of what looks like the oil(?) pressure sensor-possibly. So I am pretty sure that it is a 4T60E Transmission. What I am amazed is the price range for the VSS-$190 (dealer) to $32.00. WoW!
Question: Does the ECM use the readings from the VSS for anything ? Would the erratic readings affect control system and possibly effect millage?

Thanks Al

Response from thefiretech
2 questions asked

I think you are right about the transmission. It's hard to tell, but that is what it looks like.
I'm not sure on your car because it is older, but most of the time the computer does use the VSS for calculations. It probably doesn't use that reading for much though on your car because it was fairly new technology back then.

Answered by promechanic (expert)
556 answers provided