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Home >> Pontiac >> 1984 >> 6000 STE >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> EGR System - V6 Diesel (CALIF) >> System Testing >> Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Check
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Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Check

Vehicle speed is sensed by a Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The VSS is supplied with 12 volts from ignition and ECM. Output from the VSS is a "toggling" of voltage. The faster the vehicle speed, the more rapidly the signal "toggles." VSS input is used to calculate the amount of EGR and also TCC engagement.

The VSS will turn "ON" a CEL only if the ECM does not receive a VSS signal for at least 26 seconds under an MVS load of 25-50%. The CEL will turn "OFF" as load falls below 25%. CEL will turn back "ON" if load exceeds 25% again for at least 10 seconds. A VSS generated CEL is load sensitive and will go "ON" and "OFF" with load.

  1. This step checks for a VSS signal. Voltage will vary from less than 1 to more than 10 volts as wheel is turned slowly. The faster wheel is rotated, the less variation.
  2. This step checks for battery voltage to terminal "C" of I.P. harness connector.
  3. This step checks for ground at I.P. harness connector.
  4. This step checks for VSS output signal from ECM. Voltage will be more than 10 volts, if circuit and ECM are okay.
Fig 1: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Check
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