PO720 Speed Output Sensor Code - Check Engine Light

CHRIS3558

MEMBER
2009 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
108,000 MILES

I just purchased a '09 Crown Vic P71 Police car from a state auction. The check engine light code shows a PO720 (Speed Output Sensor). I have checked the transmission fluid and it does not smell burnt and is up to the proper level. The transmission has a delay to shift into drive, it does go down the highway ok. Also, the cruise control does work as well as the speedo and the mileage. I would like to replace the speed output sensor on the transmission. Problem is, there is very little room to get your hand up there. What is the trick in R&R this sensor with the trans in place?
Just a FYI, since this is a former police car, is there any police circuits that would be used in the speed output circuit? Is there a fuse for this circuit, if so what # fuse should I be checking? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

4 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Nothing special due to police version.

The sensor is tight but if you drop the crossmember, and lower the rear of the trans, it gives you the needed room to remove it.

Roy

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Saturday, May 18th, 2013 AT 11:47 AM

CHRIS3558

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Please read the beginning post. Back to the original problem. I replaced the speed output sensor and test drove the car, no change. When going from park or neutrel to drive, there is about a 5 second delay. It goes into reverse ok. It seems to drive down the road ok, but going from 50 mph to say 20, when it down shifts and you start to excellerate the motor revvs up as if the trans is slipping, then all of a sudden it locks into gear and goes? Any ideas before I go to the Ford garage?

Thanks,
Chris

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Saturday, May 25th, 2013 AT 4:51 AM

TMGWASHERE

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1 POST

Im having same problem with my 07 crown vic pi you ever fimd a fix? New torque converter maybe?

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Sunday, September 21st, 2014 AT 6:39 PM

CHRIS3558

MEMBER
9 POSTS

I found a decent tranny shop and had them tear into it. It ended up being one of the steel rings had broke and damaged the case beyond repair. I had to get a used case and had my internals put back in it along with a rebuild. When the police dept. Owned it, apparently the car had gotten stuck and the doorknob behind the wheel was going from forward to reverse many times and this caused the ring to break. Then the car went to the auction and I was the lucky guy to buy it!

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Sunday, September 21st, 2014 AT 6:47 PM