What exactly does a vehicle speed sensor do? And how important is it to the performance of a car?

Question

I have a '96 Nissan 200SX, which is a compact two-door sports car. I've only had it for a few months (it was previously my sister's) , and the check engine light has been on for a few months. I took it down to Checker Auto Parts and Auto Zone and both stores told me that I needed to replace my vehicle speed sensor.

I don't know if it makes a big difference, but my car is a manual transmission/stick-shift.

Answer 1

Man has great passion for cars. It is an undeniable fact. Since the time when cars have become popular, several auto enthusiasts spent their time, effort, and fortune to avail of the marketed models and makes. In the myriad of vehicle choices that await them, these auto aficionados have become wiser. At this point in time, they do not only look into the physical makeup of the vehicle—the exterior and the interior constructions, but they now dwell on the performance engineering of the vehicles of their choice.

All automobiles are gifted with a specific speed rate. This aspect is carefully scrutinized by all prospect buyers. How on earth will a car travel if it is not designated with a particular speed rate? How would the consumers and users enjoy the drive and the passengers to enjoy their ride if the vehicle travels at a very slow pace? Definitely, the ride and drive may hence prove to be traumatic and unpleasant as well.

The automobile’s engine contains a speed sensor. This speed sensor automatically sends the information to the computer as to how fast the car is traveling at the moment of driving. The engine’s speed sensor is craftily designed to be able to record the rate at which the vehicle’s crankshaft is spinning. Ever wondered what comprises the speed sensor? The speed sensor is made up of a toothed metal disk that is basically mounted onto the crankshaft and a stationary detector that functions to cover a magnetic coil through which the current passes through. Now as these metal teeth begins moving past the coil, the magnetic field is likewise distracted. Hence, a wave of pulses in the current is created. The computer readily calculates the speed at which the engine is traveling through by means of the numbers of the crankshaft’s rotation. These rotations determine the frequency of the pulses as created from the engine speed sensor.

The truck, bus, and car markets have vehemently welcomed into their niches the automatic and manual transmissions. In most cases, the manual transmission is still advantageous over the automatic one. The manual transmission caters to a lower weight, greater forward speeds, higher fuel economy, and much more keeps the driver more skilled. On the other hand, the automatic transmission fulfills its role as the assistant to the less-skilled drivers. It provides an easy scheme, thus, a simple training on the driver’s part. It is likely to be noted in here that the speed sensor works hand in hand with the rest of the auto parts integrated into the vehicle.

Answer 2

Vehicle Speed Sensor A

Answer 3

Engine Speed Sensor

Answer 4

well i have to say they are right replace it . If your check light is on and is not flashing that means service soon . If your check light is flashing then you should get it to a garage right away .
As far as what speed sensor does just think of it as the sensor that makes engine room smooth when you'r at top end of a gear .
Plus
a check code or OBD II code doe not always mean you have to replace a part or sensor . It could be as simple as a loose connection or ground wire on that sensor . First look for things like that ; but that is only in some cases .

Answer 5

It's essential. Everything that cares about automobile speed depends on the VSS. That includes:
- Engine fuel injection computer (for correct power, fuel economy and emissions)
- Automatic transmission (for sorting out shift points)
- Speedometer (obviously)
- Radio, if it turns the sound up and down with speed

You shouldn't go months with a "check engine" light on. Fix problems right away, usually they're not expensive. If you don't fix problems as they come, new more serious problems could arise, and you'd never know because your check engine light was already on.

Answer 6

The vehicle speed sensor plays a crucial part in the operation of the governor of your vehicle.

If you disconnect your battery for a moment it will reset your ecm and if there really isn't a problem then the check engine light won't come back on. If it does, then you better replace that component as it will likely lead to a malfunction in your electronic fuel injection as well as adverse stress on additional engine components.

Answer 7

The speed sensor just broke on on my car and the car had to go to a transmission shop. The sensor is somehow connceted to the transmission and helps to determine what gear you need to be in. The car did not shift smoothly after the sensor broke. I was told it was not a good idea to drive it when the sensor is broke as it could damage your transmission. Cost about $200 to fix.

Answer 8

the speed sensor tel the computer how fast you are going and with the throttle sensor determines the amount of fuel delivered to the injectors, it also tell the computer what speed you are going and with the air speed sensor will determine the right fule fixture for the car in what it is doing.

Answer 9

the speed sensor is really a proximity sensor that reads of a toothed gear on one of your drive shafts, it tells the comp what rate of speed you're travelling at, and adjusts the fuel injection and so forth. if your comp module says it's faulty, try cleaning it off really well first, it might have some snow or dirt on it that would interfere with the magnetic signal. and, yes, it's important!

Answer 10

sorry i just remebered now but guyV me got it
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