Vehicle Speed Sensor

Tiny
DFISHSTIX
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 KIA SPECTRA
2005 Kia Spectra Front Wheel Drive Automatic 72000 miles

Speedometer and odometer has stopped working. Should I reset the computer by disconnecting battery? Where is the sensor located so I can get a visual to check for the obvious?
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Sunday, December 6th, 2009 AT 4:47 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,554 POSTS
The vehicle speed sensor going out will cause the speedometer not to work. The connector is located at the read the the engine near the bellhousing but the sensor is down near the final drive axle output. This guide will show you where the connector is just follow it down to the sensor. (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:40 PM
Tiny
SBAKEWELL
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 KIA SPECTRA
  • 100,000 MILES
Speedometer stopped working completely kinda just figured it was the speed sensor. Just would like to know how to replace it or if maybe thats not the problem.
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
It usually is the cause but it could also be the wiring and only testings would confirm it.

Replacement is a simple job. Disconnect the coupler, remove the holding bolt and twist the sensor out.
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Did you replace the vehicle speed sensor? Does your speedometer work correctly?

Yes, it could make a difference but it would set a abs code.

Roy
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KIASPECTRA1969
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  • 4 POSTS
Yes changed speed sensor and yes speedometer works perfectly. Also changed safety switch and there are no ABS codes only the P0501 code
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Can you read information on your scanner?

Roy
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KIASPECTRA1969
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes. The code is P0501 it is an older model scanner
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KIASPECTRA1969
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My inspection is month overdue trying to get inspected
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KATEWILSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 KIA SPECTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Check engine light came on. DTC revealed p0501 vss. I recently lost my front right tire due to some shrapnel on the road. I replaced the tire, but the engine light appeared after the incident. I noticed a wire hanging down near the front tire. I'm assuming this wire is the vss and am wondering if this is something I can fix myself? Is there a way to reattach this wire? I was looking online for a diagram and any helpful information. Can you help?
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
That shows wheel speed sensor and are not repairable replacement is only option
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Ok, most likely it is a abs issue. The first thing I would do is change the tires to the correct size.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) generates a waveform with a frequency proportional to the speed of the vehicle. The signal generated by the WSS informs the PCM not only if the vehicle speed is low or high but also if the vehicle is or is not moving. The PCM uses this signal to control the fuel injection, ignition timing, transaxle shift scheduling and torque converter clutch scheduling. The WSS signal is also used to detect rough road conditions.

DTC DESCRIPTION
The PCM evaluates engine speed and mass air flow if there is no vehicle speed signal. This evaluation of both values will detect open circuit or short circuit errors on the wheel speed sensor. The PCM sets DTC P0501 if there is no vehicle speed signal from wheel speed sensor while both engine speed and mass air flow are higher than predetermined threshold during the predetermined time.

DTC Detecting Condition

Zoom Sized for Print

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MONITOR DTC STATUS
Connect Connect scan tool and select "Diagnostic Trouble Codes(DTCs)" mode.
Press F5(INFO) to select DTC information from the DTCs menu.
Confirm that "DTC Readiness Flag" indicates "Complete". If not, drive the vehicle within conditions noted in the freeze frame data or enable conditions.
Read "DTC Status" parameter.
Is parameter displayed "History(Not Present) fault"?
NOTE:
History (Not Present) fault : DTC occurred but has been cleared.
Present fault : DTC is occurring at present time.
YES - Fault is intermittent, caused by poor contact in the sensor's and/or PCM's connector or was repaired and PCM memory was not cleared. Thoroughly check connectors for looseness, poor connection, bending, corrosion, contamination, deterioration, or damage. Repair or replace as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

NO
[With ABS] Go to "Monitor Scan tool Data" procedure.
[Without ABS system] Go to "Signal Circuit Inspection[Without ABS]" procedure.
MONITOR SCAN TOOL DATA
With vehicle raised on a lift, start the engine and place transaxle in Drive. Let vehicle idle and verify speedometer indicates approx. 10 km/h or more(6 mph or more) on the instrument cluster.
Connect Scantool and select ABS system.
Monitor the "WHEEL SPD SENSOR-FR" parameter on the current data list.
Specification : 10 km/h or more(6 mph or more)

Is value within the specification?
YES - Wheel speed sensor is OK. Go to "Signal Circuit Inspection[With ABS]" procedure.

NO
Check for open or short circuit between wheel speed sensor(FR) and ABS(or ESP) control module.
If problems are found, repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure
If OK, Check wheel speed sensor(FR) as follow :
Gap between ABS sensor and trigger wheel (Air gap : 0.3 - 1.1 mm (0.011 - 0.043 in ))
Trigger wheel condition - Sensor resistance : Approx. 1,300 - 1,500 Ohms at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)
Replace wheel speed sensor as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.
SIGNAL CIRCUIT INSPECTION

[WITH ABS]

Zoom Sized for Print

Check for open in circuit.
Ignition "OFF".
Disconnect PCM and ABS Control Module connectors
Measure resistance between terminals 39 of the PCM harness connector and 3 of the ABS Control Module harness connector(W/ABS)
Specification : Approx. 0 Ohm

Is resistance within the specification?
YES - Go to next step.

NO - Repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

Zoom Sized for Print

Check for short to ground in circuit.
Measure resistance between terminal 39 of the PCM harness connector and chassis ground.
Specification : Infinite

Is resistance within the specification?
YES - Check for poor connection between PCM and component: backed out terminal, improper mating, broken locks or poor terminal to wire connection. Repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

NO - Repair as necessary and go to "Verification of Vehicle Repair" procedure.

VERIFICATION OF VEHICLE REPAIR
After a repair, it is essential to verify that the fault has been corrected.
Connect scan tool and select "Diagnostic Trouble Codes(DTCs)" mode.
Press F5(INFO) and confirm that "DTC Readiness Flag" indicates "Complete". If not, drive the vehicle within conditions noted in the freeze frame data or enable conditions.
Read "DTC Status" parameter.
Is parameter displayed "History(Not Present) fault"?
YES - System performing to specification at this time. Clear the DTC

NO - Go to the applicable troubleshooting procedure.

Schematic Diagram

Zoom Sized for Print

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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KIASPECTRA1969
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for everything. Do you think if I swap the front and back tires it may help me clear the code?
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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No, they all match the same size
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Saturday, November 18th, 2017 AT 9:41 PM (Merged)

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