Vehicle speed sensor location

If the transmission output speed sensor is defective the speedometer will remain at zero. When driven fast enough to cause the transmission to shift, it will shift with a damaging hard jerk. The car computer will set a P0722 fault code and the dash display will read "power steering". The power steering motor will not receive a signal to operate.

The transmission output speed sensor is located on the passenger side, the back side of the transmission, near the firewall, above the right drive axle, and can be reached from beneath or from above. The connector has one release tab and is very water tight. The wire colors are violet and yellow. They connect to the engine control module (ECM). When the sensor is defective, this causes a P0722 code. One hex bolt and O-ring hold the VSS. Replace the O-ring if disturbed. Clean the area before removing the VSS to keep specs of dirt out.

The Internet claims the transmission control module (TCM) is at fault or that connecting a ground wire to the TCM will fix the power steering fault. This may be true, but connect an OBDII test module to check for the vehicle speed while moving. If the speed is zero, then suspect the vehicle speed sensor VSS.