VSS Replacement

[Wombat John]

The current car is a '98 Mondeo LX (built Nov '97), 2.0l Zetec, auto.

The current goal is RWC.

The current overall problem is to fix the speedo (doesn't move from 0), the overdrive (doesn't shift from 3 to 4), and the rough shifting (doesn't shift between 2 and 3 politely).

The current theory is a dodgy VSS, giving no speed info to the instruments or whatever computer is controlling the transmission.

The current task is to replace the VSS.

The current stumbling block is the removal of the VSS. I have found the VSS, removed the holding clamp, and pulled it & pinion gear assembly from the transmission. However, the electrical connection appears to be zip-tied to the lower side of an electrical conduit, itself below some air conditioner plumbing. Access from any direction is severely restricted.

The current question is: "Which piece of engine would be best to remove to provide access?" For the purposes of this question, "best" refers to a combination of easiest to remove & replace, and least likely to break or cause other undesirable consequences.

The current capacity for thanks is boundless.

[Wombat John]

Another issue: does anyone know where to get a new VSS?

I've been running into problems finding one. Local Ford dealer was unhelpful (and unwelcoming - not going back). The most promising suggestion so far is to go to a wrecker, something I don't want to do.

[cobrin]

I think the first step is to check the output signal is actually being sent or not sent. Otherwise it'll be a case of throwing parts at it for no reason. It could also be instrument cluster.

It'll pay to get a repair manual, it's vital to your RWC quest. ;)

anywho! does it look like this one: http://tiny.cc/sn10fx


from here: http://tiny.cc/vm10fx


<off topic>
You've spurred me on to finally order a Repair Manual for my 09 Mondeo, so kudo's for getting me onto it. $32.28 is a steal

[Wombat John]

Originally Posted by cobrin

It'll pay to get a repair manual, it's vital to your RWC quest. ;)

Got the Haynes manual. Surprisingly helpful and unhelpful at the same time - as is traditional for these things (my other half found a good condition one on ebay, $25 shipped - local AutoBarn has it for $54).

It is indeed helpful for RWCness, since it goes into what you need to do for MOT. Combined with Vicroads' Roadworthiness Requirements pdf, I'm convinced I should be able to get everything done so the RWC issuer shouldn't have to fix anything.

The other half also found this: http://workshop-manuals.com/ford/
which contains both my 1997 version, and your 2007+ version. These look like online versions of real european Ford workshop manuals (refers to customers' concerns, etc...)

My other half seems useful. I think I'll keep her

anywho! does it look like this one: http://tiny.cc/sn10fx

from here: http://tiny.cc/vm10fx

That's not the one - I think that's for the tacho (eventually, via the ecu).

The one I'm after is the second one pictured in this thread (yellow/brown wires):
http://www.talkford.com/topic/90629-...ensor-removal/

[cobrin]

may have found one: http://tiny.cc/3wj1fx

and just in case it's this different one : http://tiny.cc/12j1fx

[Wombat John]

Originally Posted by cobrin

may have found one: http://tiny.cc/3wj1fx

Thanks, but:

FORD MONDEO I CLIPPER 2.0 I 16V 1993 TO 1996 RPM/SPEED SENSOR 19090
Condition:New
Compatibility: See compatible vehicles

compatible vehicle link gives

This item does not fit Ford Mondeo 1998 MK II [1996-2000] 2.0i.

and same for the 1997.

and just in case it's this different one : http://tiny.cc/12j1fx

Thanks again, but no banana.

I've found a place in SA that may be able to help (at least they mention the required sensor somewhere on their web page). I'm calling on Monday.

There are Plans B & C, if this fails however. Both involve building something to generate a valid speed signal for the everything. Plan B tries to get some kind of speed data from the ABS sensors. If that isn't possible, Plan C gets speed from a GPS module. Either way, there's some work ahead of me...

[Wombat John]

An update for interested parties. It was indeed the VSS. The car runs beautifully now.

The old sensor eventually came out after removing the transmission dipstick, disconnecting a couple of vacuum hoses, and wielding the smallest, longest pair of diagonal cutters to cut the cable tie for access to the electrical connector. The plastic spindle in the sensor had snapped.

The place in SA was a dead end. Plans B & C were looking like too much trouble, so when Plan D presented itself, I jumped. Telling my tale to the local butcher (Burnsy's, in Tarwin St) he suggested a local wrecker (Madden Auto Salvage, in LaTrobe Rd) who would know what I was talking about, and be able to provide a working replacement. He did and did.

Installing it fixed the speedo, the odometer, the excessively jarring gear changes, the lack of 4th gear and probably other things.

Test drive to the neighbouring town (Yinnar, which took us past Hazelwood Pondage) went so well we followed it up with a return trip into Melbourne to see a local(ish) singer (Darcy Fox at Revolver in Prahran). Trip went exceedingly well.

Thanks for the help cobrin, and everyone else who posted in the other threads I read in the pursuit of this problem!

[cobrin]

Hey congrats wombat John, nice to hear a good story too, my book arrived a couple of days ago too.