Vehicle Speed Sensor/Transducer - Cruise Control: Description and Operation

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) mounts to the automatic or manual transmission assembly and uses a permanent magnet generator to produce an alternating current (AC) signal. The frequency of this signal is proportional to the speed at which the transmission output shaft rotates, which in turn is proportional to the speed of the vehicle.

The AC signal produced by the VSS is amplified and converted by the PCM/VCM. The signal is then supplied to the, cruise control module, and speedometer by the PCM/VCM.

The signal to the PCM/VCM, cruise control module, and speedometer pulses at a rate of 4,000 times per mile. The PCM/VCM, cruise control module, and speedometer internally convert the number of pulses per mile to determine vehicle speed.

For replacement procedures, refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor in Transmission/Transaxle.