Variable Speed Sensor
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4
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Variable Speed Sensor
Hey guys! I have a 2001 F150 SuperCrew 4x4. The other day I was driving down the highway and the speedometer started to bounce and the OD light started blinking. It didnt seem to affect the way it ran except maybe a little slow shifting into passing gear. Anyway, I called the dealer and they said it sounded like the Variable Speed Sensor and it would be $60 to diagnose and 260 to fix if thats what it is. The service engine light is NOT coming on and it doesnt do this all the time. Hoping yall might have some ideas or suggestions. Thanx alot!!!
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
Variable Speed Sensor
Hey Rangergirl7
It sounds like your vehicle speed sensor on the transmission might be bad. Do you have an ABS light on as well as the flashing overdrive light? I have not had to change one yet on that year truck, but the last one was a snap to replace. One bolt held it in. Just unplug the sensor first. AutoZone or a parts store can scan your truck for free, and should be able to get a code for it. Good luck let us know.
It sounds like your vehicle speed sensor on the transmission might be bad. Do you have an ABS light on as well as the flashing overdrive light? I have not had to change one yet on that year truck, but the last one was a snap to replace. One bolt held it in. Just unplug the sensor first. AutoZone or a parts store can scan your truck for free, and should be able to get a code for it. Good luck let us know.
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, NC
Variable Speed Sensor
60$ to diagnose! $200+ to replace?!?!?!? That's outrageous! Don't take it to a dealership....You are begging to get ripped off if you do. If indeed it is just the VSS (I have a 5-speed, not an automatic, so I can't tell you for sure) you can replace it yourself. I'd need to know if the ABS light is on as well. On my truck ('94 F150 XL 4X4 302 V8) the VSS is on the top of the rear differential and is a $15 part. I don't know if it's the same on the newer trucks, to be honest with you, but it sure as heck isn't a $300 job! Mine did the same thing: bouncing speedometer and blinking light (only mine was the ABS light) and I changed it out myself. It's worth replacing anyway, both because it's cheap and easy and just reading through the forum on similar problems, 9 times out of 10 it was the VSS and people have fixed it themselves. Good Luck! keep us posted.
--Adam
--Adam
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