Speed Sensor

Hi Folks,

First time poster here. I have a 1994 Ford Taurus with the 3.0 V6. If was experiencing issues shifting between gears. It seemed that the transmission didn't know when to shift. The spedometer also doesn't seem to work. I figured this was a sure case of a base speed sensor.

So, today I changed out the speed sensor. Not an easy job, but was able to replace it. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to make much of a difference. Since then, I've checked the transmission fluid (no issues), checked the fuses (no issues), and I am not sure where to go from here.

The car does seem to shift ok as you accellerate, but it has problems knowing when to shift as you slow down. Periodic jerks as it attempts to downshift.

Any suggestions on what to check next, or ways to rule out the speed sensor? By the way, the spedometer still doesn't work either.

Thanks for listening, and I hope someone out there has some suggestions.

Scott

I would check the wires especially close to the sensor thats where the most chance for damage will be located.
Ohm them from the sensor to the speedometer housing.

Did the cruise work before, and does it still work now? If so, the VSS is working. I kind of though the speedo on the 1994 was cabled though.... I'll have to check the FSM when I can get back on my desktop.

Is it just downshifting roughly, or does it seem to be shifting at the correct points? It sounds like the only shifting issue you're experiencing is downshifting when coming to stops, but it shifts fine when accelerating. Have you checked the engine and transmission mounts?

-Rod

Yep, according to the FSM your 1994 has a cable for the speedometer. Did you have to disconnect a cable from the VSS when you replaced it?

There were some 1994 Taurii with electronic instrument cluster, does your's have the digital speedometer? If so, then you won't have a cable.

-Rod