Help! Need info for Vehicle Speed Sensor

[panns131]

My check engine light went on and I went to local garage. Was told told its the vehicle speed sensor. How serious is this and is it an easy fix? Car hesitates a bit when taking off, other than that no other problems. Any info/advice is much appreciated. Thanks

panns131

[ricerrx7]

Well, you have to figure out what the actual problem is first. Is it the actual sensor, the wiring, or something else. So it could be very hard depending on what's going on. I would take it to a shop if I were you...

[panns131]

Hey ricerrx7
Yes I will have to take to shop, but I'm curious as to what a vehicle speed sensor does. Never heard of it. Thanks.

[ricerrx7]

It does exactly what it says. It senses the vehicle's speed. It has a magnetic pickup that senses pulses put out by a metal ring with teeth on it. Everytime a tooth passes by the pickup it creates an AC signal. The more frequent the current alternates, the faster the speed. This is what gives you your speedometer reading, and helps the computer make calculations.

[panns131]

ricerrx7-Thanks!

I sort of figured it was something to do with speed, but was'nt sure-this may be why take off is hesitating? What do I know! I hate the newer cars!! Too much crap to deal with. Thanks for info.