Vss????

[whoisdabomb86]

my sisters got a 99 jetta gl 2.0, and her speedo works never xcept like once or twice in the past like 7 months. im thinking it is the vss but i dont know where it is on the motor? what does it look like? also the car shifts harder/doesnt shift until like 5 grand u gotta take ur foot off the gas and let it shift. it says in the manual that the vss causes that any ideas??

[Igovert500]

Well my knowledge of Jettas is rather limited, but the VSS is a common problem with older Accords (which I do know a bit more about). Typically if the VSS starts to go, your speedo and tach will go all over the place, your cruise control will be very erratic, etc. Another similar problem is the TCM or TCU(the transmission control unit/module) if the car is auto, this will cause shifting problems, the speedo will stay at 0, etc.
They cause very similar problems, and I don't know if their effects differ drastically on a Jetta...but on a Honda, both throw CEL, so you can check the ECU for codes and that helps.
If it is either of these, my suggestion would be to get one from a junkyard or a parts car...the honda ones sell for a few hundred from the dealership, but can be found at a junkyard or used online for under $50.

These 2 links show where the VSS is and what it looks like on an Accord(same on manual as on auto)...hope they help somehow.

http://www.cybertrails.com/~bestinth...tLocation.html

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...0&goto=2536140

And if it is the TCU, typically they are under the passenger kick panel.

[boschmann]

There are two vss sensors, the one you are interested in is on the differential part of the transaxle, sort of behind the engine. Note the problem is often with the drive gear under the sensor.

[whoisdabomb86]

there is 1 problem with what u just said and that is front wheel drive cars' engines look like a pile of wires and mess and i have no idea what im looking at. transaxle?? i say she should junk it and buy a chevy but thats just me. any help on what these things look like would be greatly apreciated. thanks for the help so far.

[boschmann]

Front wheel drive has the transmission & axle in one unit; transaxle. The transmission part is directly behind the flywheel, the differential part is where the axles are bolted on. Look at the on the topside of the section between the two drive axles. There should be a sensor with a two wire harness plugged into it. Under that is a plastic drive gear. If you think that compartment is crammed, look at a VR6.

[veedubmechanic]

Is it a new body style?

The trans has 3 speed sensors on new body style.
Plastic Diff speed sensor on diff.
Trans speed sensor under tranny mount.
Trans road speed sensor under ps line bracket.