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Is a Vehicle Speed Sensor the same as a transmission speed sensor?

No, vehicle speed sensors and transmission speed sensors are not the same. While they serve related functions in a vehicle's powertrain, they are distinct components with different purposes and locations within the vehicle.


What is a Vehicle Speed Sensor?


A vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is a device that measures the rotational speed of a vehicle's wheels or driveline. It is typically located on the transmission, transaxle, or differential, and it sends a signal to the vehicle's computer (ECU) that corresponds to the vehicle's speed. This information is used by various vehicle systems, such as the speedometer, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.


What is a Transmission Speed Sensor?


A transmission speed sensor, also known as a turbine speed sensor, is a component that measures the rotational speed of the transmission's input or output shaft. This sensor is located inside the transmission and provides data to the vehicle's computer about the transmission's operation, such as gear selection and shifting. The transmission speed sensor is used to monitor the transmission's performance and help control the shifting of the gears.


Key Differences



  • Location: The vehicle speed sensor is typically located on the transmission, transaxle, or differential, while the transmission speed sensor is located inside the transmission itself.

  • Function: The vehicle speed sensor measures the overall speed of the vehicle, while the transmission speed sensor measures the speed of the transmission's input or output shaft.

  • Purpose: The vehicle speed sensor provides information to various vehicle systems, while the transmission speed sensor is used to monitor and control the transmission's operation.


In summary, while both the vehicle speed sensor and the transmission speed sensor are important components in a vehicle's powertrain, they serve distinct purposes and are located in different parts of the vehicle.

Are vehicle speed sensor and transmission speed sensor the same thing?


A car speed sensor also referred to as a transmission speed sensor tracks how fast a vehicle's crankshaft is spinning. The sensor shares this information with your car's computer. And, it can show your fast car's engine is spinning at any moment.



Can you drive with a broken transmission speed sensor?


It is not safe to drive a vehicle with a bad speed sensor because ECU will not be able to identify the driving speed. Also, the ABS will not start its operations and you might lose control of your vehicle.



What are the two types of speed sensors?


The use of speed sensor is also necessary for controlling the speed of an electric or thermal motor. There are different types of speed sensors: inductive sensors that can be monopolar or bipolar and active sensors that can be magneto-resistive and Hall effect.



Are there two speed sensors?


A car has two speed sensors: the ISS and the OSS, working together to show the transmission data to the car's powertrain module. The ISS sensor monitors the input shaft's speed. If these sensors get misaligned, the operation of the transmission system will be affected.



What is another name for the vehicle speed sensor?


As such, the VSS may also be referred to as an output shaft speed sensor.



What is the name of the transmission sensor?


There are typically two speed sensors in a transmission, commonly known as input shaft speed (ISS) sensor and output shaft speed (OSS) sensor. Both of these speed sensors work in conjunction to offer accurate transmission data to the powertrain control module of your vehicle.



How much does it cost to replace a transmission speed sensor?


You can take your car to the repair shop or dealership and spend between $100 and $250 or more to have one speed sensor replaced or you can replace the sensor yourself for a fraction of the cost. The DIY cost for replacing a speed sensor is the cost of the sensor.



Can you drive with a faulty speed sensor?


It is not safe to drive a vehicle with a bad speed sensor because ECU will not be able to identify the driving speed. Also, the ABS will not start its operations and you might lose control of your vehicle.



What happens when a transmission speed sensor goes bad?


A bad speed sensor can cause transmission issues and erratic speedometer ratings. A malfunctioning sensor will render the transmission torque converter unable to apply the clutch and form a mechanical link between the engine and transmission. This may also cause your vehicle's cruise control to be disabled.



Can you drive a car with a bad speed sensor?


It is not safe to drive a vehicle with a bad speed sensor because ECU will not be able to identify the driving speed. Also, the ABS will not start its operations and you might lose control of your vehicle.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.