95 Explorer Transmission sensor - can you identify??

[hymes]

Hello,

On my 95 expolorer xlt 4dr 2wd automatic transmission behind the transmission pan just before the shaft comes out there is a strange looking sensor or something? It is on the part of the transmission that tapers down to just before the shaft comes out. It has an electrical connection on it and seems to be held in to the housing with a small plate and screw.

What is it??? It appears to be leaking transmission fluid (dripping) but I don't even know what it is to look it up to replace it?

Please help
Alan

[way2old]

That is the VSS. There is an O ring seal on it. If you have something to drive, remove the part and go to the parts house and buy a couple of the O rings.

[hymes]

First, damn, your right! I found it once I knew what to look for and that is it :-)

If I am going to remove it, should l replace VSS sensor (and O ring) or just replace the O ring?

Will transmission fluid pour out when I remove it? Do I need to be prepared to catch the fluid?

And is it just held in with the small bolt and clamp OR does it also screw in?

Thanks!!!

[way2old]

You can just replace the O rings. If there is a problem with the speedometer or shifting patterns, replace the sensor. Price it and go by what you want to do. The fluid will leak a little, but it will not pour out. If you jack up the drivers side (using jackstands to hold it) you will lose very little. If it is in the driveway, a small pan will keep other family members happier. It is just held in by the bolt and clamp. It just pulls out.

[hymes]

Hello, for those of you following this I figured I would finish the post with the results:

First, for $20 I decided that if I was going to go through the trouble to take the part out to replace the O-ring, then I was going to replace the VSS Sensor AND it comes with a new O-ring.......

1. The VSS Sensor only has the one small bolt holding it in. Remove it and gently pull it out.

2. NO fluid at all came out at all!

3. The end of the Sensor has a plastic gear attached to it. This was a surprise to me. The gear is held onto the VSS sensor with a small metal clip. Simply pull the metal clip off (ie. it un-snaps) and the plastic gear will slide off. Now put it back on the new sensor the same way.

4. I cleaned the opening on the transmission, and lubricated the new VSS sensor body and O-ring. Then I slid it back in the transmission, put back the bolt and tightened it down and reattached the connector.

That't it!

[way2old]

Thanks for the fixed post. We do not get nearly enough of those. Have one on me (_)3