Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

98 ranger VSS (speed sensor)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 28, 2006 | 02:31 PM
  #16  
RangerPilot's Avatar
RangerPilot
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yep that's it. We often refer to the speed sensor as the VSS, since it serves that function in this truck.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2006 | 07:37 AM
  #17  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
It's held in with a 10mm fastner, torqued at 25-28 ft/lbs & has a "O" ring seal on the sensors body.

As has been said, make sure the area is clean before removing the old one & installing the new one. Also lube the "O" ring before installation.

Should be about a 20-30 minute job!!!!

The ABS, Speed-O & cruise control all use the output of this speed sensor to function. So if your having problems with any of them, it's another finger poining at that pesky speed sensor.

Just some additional thoughts.

Let us know how it goes.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2006 | 09:16 AM
  #18  
kdeleon's Avatar
kdeleon
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
What should I use to lube the O ring? A dielectric grease or just regular motor oil, or what? Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2006 | 09:18 AM
  #19  
kdeleon's Avatar
kdeleon
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
My other question, is am I looking at the right problem here? I have seen several different threads about this. Am I attacking the right part? The problem is...I was driving home, and all of a sudden my O/D light starts flashing on and off, and the truck started shifting really hard. especially between 1st and 2nd. Would the differential speed sensor cause this?
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2006 | 09:37 AM
  #20  
Bob Ayers's Avatar
Bob Ayers
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
Use dielectric grease.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2006 | 06:18 PM
  #21  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Yup Kdeleon, a faulty speed sensor can cause the auto tranny to act out too, as the computer uses the speed sensors output signal to decide when to tell the tranny to up or down shift. Yet another finger pointing to a speed sensor circuit problem imo.

The "O" ring isn't too particular about the kind of lubrication it gets, could be differentaloil, motor oil, chassis grease, vasoline, I kinda like Bobs dielectric grease idea. You might try buttering a little on the insides of the hole it fits into also. This should ease fiting the speed sensor in & prevent the "O" ring from trying to roll up as you slip the speed sensor in place. Should also help prevent it from drying out over time too.

Let us know how it goes.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2006 | 04:06 PM
  #22  
kdeleon's Avatar
kdeleon
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
got the part...will try to install in the next day or two if I have time. It's been SUPER HOT hear lately...will let you know how it all turns out!
 
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 05:56 PM
  #23  
kdeleon's Avatar
kdeleon
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
well guys...I hope you are reading this....cause I need help...the cylinder portion that holds the magnets in the old abs sensor broke off in the differential...GOD!!!! i wasn't even pulling that hard to get it out the hole. Anyway...long story short...any idea on how to best get the dang thing out!?!? I hope someone is reading right now. the top of the outer ring is barely sticking out the hole in the differential...I can barely get a hold on it with a pare of pliars..but I don't wanna screw anything else up...please help! Would wd40 break it lose? or do I wanna be spraying anything around where this sensor goes?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 2, 2006 | 06:25 PM
  #24  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Dang what luck, first one I've heard of that has broken!!!!

Well, fwiw it sounds like the VSS was for sure bad.

If there isn't enough sticking out to get a good grip on, with vice grips or pliers, maybe by using the portion that came off for sizing, something like a self tapping screw, or screw extracter, of the right diameter, would get a good enough grip on the remainder of the housing, to work it out.
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2006 | 05:35 AM
  #25  
Bob Ayers's Avatar
Bob Ayers
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
Yes, I agree with pawpaw. you might even have to drill a hole in it to put a screw into it to pull it out (if it isn't already hollow).
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2006 | 09:12 AM
  #26  
kdeleon's Avatar
kdeleon
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
it is hollow, however there is a solid metal cylinder inside it that spins. The only thing I could drill into is the solid cylinder within...however...I think if I do that...I will end up pulling that piece out, and the outer metal cylinder will remain stuck. I am scared this is going to end in my having to take it to a shop and them telling me they will have to freaking take my differential apart to get it out. I hope this is not the case. The outer cylinder moves up and down a bit...so it seems like it is free...but it is stuck on something...I just don't know what....build up or something maybe?
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2006 | 07:10 PM
  #27  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Well if you've removed the 10mm fastner, the only thing holding it in would be the "O" rings friction.

If the "O" ring has taken a set, to the side wall, I suppose it could make things a little more difficult.

Spray some silicone around the outside of whats left of the sensors housing & let it run down long enough to wet the "O" ring real good & see if it'll turn loose & pull out,

If you can get hold of some of the housing with long nose plires, then using the nose of the plires as a "fulcrum", you might be able to lift it enough, to get it past the point of resistance, so it'll come on out.

Let us know how it goes.
 
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2006 | 09:27 AM
  #28  
kdeleon's Avatar
kdeleon
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
well actually...the O ring portion (i am assuming you are talking about the rubber gasket) came out with the top...the ONLY thing that is left in the hole is the bottom housing and whatever is inside it.....wiered huh? That is why I can't figure out what it is stuck on!
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2006 | 10:23 AM
  #29  
PeechyGA's Avatar
PeechyGA
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
hey, could you tell me where the sensor is by the transmission? I would like to replace it and I looked underneath the truck and could not find nothing that looked like the one I purchased. thanks
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2006 | 03:59 PM
  #30  
kdeleon's Avatar
kdeleon
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
what model/year truck do you have peechy?

Also pawpaw and others...I talked to a Ford Mechanic, and he said that it is not uncommon for those ABS speed sensors for the rear diff to break off...and that about 75% of the ones they replace end up breaking off, and they have to take the diff cover off to get it out. So that is what I will be doing this weekend I suppose!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:34 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE