I have a 97' Legacy Brighton. (2.2)

 

My rev limiter comes on at 4,400, it also idle's low and sometimes just doesn't run real great. I scanned the codes and it says that I have a bad speed sensor. (VSS)

 

I cleared the codes and it ran fine for about an hour, but then it quickly through the code again. When the code is cleared it runs amazing, so I think it is a sensor - I also check all over for broken vacuum hoses or oil breather hoses. We first tried replacing the gauge cluster just in case, and when that didn't fix it, we moved onto the sensor thats located on the transmission. However, I can't find one at a junkyard, and id rather not buy a new one to find out it might not be the problem.

 

Any suggestions? Is this common?

Edited May 26, 200916 yr by EA82Loyale

I just did some more research, it looks like we were wrong about VSS 1. It's not located in the cluster, but on the back of the transmission.

 

VSS 2 apparently controls fuel delivery and stuff. That would definately be causing it. I think I need to replace that, but let me know please if I'm right. They are probably spendy!

When the ECU can't properly determine vehicle speed, it defaults to a ''limping'' mode that includes rev limiting to help ensure that nothing bad happens. The symptoms you're experiencing fit a VSS problem. The sensor itself might indeed be bad, but connector/wiring problems are sometimes the cause. If you can provide the ''Pxxxx'' code, it might be possible to give further advice.

the vss 1 on the rear extention housing of the AWD trans is not easily replaceable. it's easy to unbolt, but there isn't an easy connector to undo.

 

the vss 2 is on the passenger side near the front of the trans near the fire wall. it is easy to replace.

 

i may be wrong, but the that speed sensor has 2 wires going directly to the speedo head in the cluster. the ECU picks up the info from the cluster and does it's thing.

 

have you seen your speedo act up ? that is a sign of the speed sensor going bab.

the vss 1 on the rear extention housing of the AWD trans is not easily replaceable. it's easy to unbolt, but there isn't an easy connector to undo.

 

the vss 2 is on the passenger side near the front of the trans near the fire wall. it is easy to replace.

 

i may be wrong, but the that speed sensor has 2 wires going directly to the speedo head in the cluster. the ECU picks up the info from the cluster and does it's thing.

 

have you seen your speedo act up ? that is a sign of the speed sensor going bab.

 

Once. It bounced to zero while i was going forty and then bounced back up to forty agian.

Once. It bounced to zero while i was going forty and then bounced back up to forty agian.

 

I just checked for one at the junkyard. I did not see a second sensor anywhere on the back of the transmission. The only wires I could see running that direction were for the following; o2 sensor, and reverse/neutral.

bump any thoughts?

I'd get both speed sensors used from a junkyard and try that first. They are cheap around here.