Will a check engine light come on as a speed sensor?

Question

I am interested in buying a car on Ebay and in the sellers description it says "THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE SPEED SENSOR. "

I have never heard of that, do you think the check engine light could really be on for something else, like a bigger, more expensive problem?

sorry its a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE

you can see it here

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320129488457&sspagename=ADME:B:AAQ:US:1

Answer 1

Yes it's very possible. If it's the speed sensor located on any of the spindle knuckles it will send a signal to the ABS pump and computer (sometimes they are together) telling you there is a problem. The check engine light isn't just for the engine.
It's just letting you know there is a problem somewhere in the system. Sometimes it can be as simple as the gas cap being off and it will make the check engine light come on.
Not all vehicles will do this, but some will.

Answer 2

Speed Sensor Check Engine Light

Answer 3

Um, yeah it could be. (Something bigger or more expensive) The light could come on for tons of different reasons, I wouldn't really trust what someone else says. Chances are they took it to autozone and had the code pulled that indicated a problem with the speed sensor. But that doesn't always mean just replacing the part is going to fix it, sometimes it can be a lot worse than that and take a lot more work.

If they are so sure about the problem, ask how they know. Did they take it to a shop and have it diagnosed? If so, ask to see the shops invoice describing how they diagnosed it, and also the estimate they would have given for the repair. But really, if that's the problem why can't the guy just fix it? I know nobody wants to fix anything when they are selling something, but especially with a check engine light, it could have more problems, or be more complicated than originally thought.

If they took it to autozone to have the code pulled, or anywhere else that just pulled the code and didn't actually diagnose or test anything I wouldn't want to buy it. If they aren't willilng to take it in for a real diagnosis of the problem, and get an estimate to fix it you really should bid on it. They likely didn't take care of other problems on the vehicle either, or did it half-a**ed. There will always be other cars...

Answer 4

The only purpose for the "Check Engine" light is to inform the operator that the computer has identified a problem that has the potential to cause the emissions to rise above 1-1/2 times the maximum permissible levels for the car.
That is the ONLY reason for cars after 1996, by law. If the vehicle speed sensor is defective or inop, the computer can't tell when to shift the transmission, or how much fuel to provide, or the spark timing beyond the basic control. Fine tuning by the PCM is not possible. This will illuminate the "Check Engine" light (MIL)

Answer 5

Around here Autozone will scan for you and tell you what the error code is. This won't always pinpoint the failed component, but it should at least point you in the right direction. If the light is on, there should be a code.

Ask if the speedometer and/or cruise control works. In most cases, if the speedo is electronic and not cable-driven, an inoperative speed sensor will affect these.

Hard to say without more information about the vehicle.

Answer 6

as usual the first four answers are incorrect, most if not all newer cars have vehicle speed sensors, i would have them put it in writing that in fact that is the problem, these are generally inexpensive parts and labor to replace, it has nothing to do with the abs, im suprised mr know, usually you research your answers better than that, in all my years of owning a shop/working on cars, I have never ever seen a vehicle speed sensor over 150 installed parts and labor

Are you people retarded? More people posted since I sent my post, an abs speed sensor will NEVER trigger the check engine light, why do you answer questions when you dont know jack chit about cars or diagnostics? If the abs light was on and not the check engine light then maybe, but he said check engine light, you are all retarded that said its an abs sensor

Answer 7

Speed sensor generaly indicates an error though the ABS or brake system. (wheel speed sensor)

The other option is the speed sensor for the transmission output shaft.

You neglected to mention what Make, Model and Year, so that's the best I could do.

ADDED:
Yes, it's possible.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

Yeah, like low oil pressure.

Answer 10

i have never heard of a check engine light to come on as a speed sensor idk about that one sounds shady 2 me