J30 CEL-Speed Sensor

[joojoo2915]

Okay, I bought a '96 J30 a year ago without having it checked out by a mechanic. I know, I'm a retard. Two days after I bought the car the check engine light pops up. I take it to the local nissan dealer and I'm told it's the speed sensor not sending a signal to the computer and that I would have to replace the whole speedometer head to the tune of $400 or so. I did a little research and found out that the speed sensor wasn't hugely critical so I just let it slide. Now I'm trying to sell the j30 and I need to get it fixed. I noticed that on the nissanparts.org site you could buy just the replacement speed sensor. Would that work for me or do I in fact need to buy the whole speedometer head? Is replacing either part a do-it-yourself job or should I really take it in to a mechanic? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mike

[3Q Jay]

not certain on the J, but i believe you have both a revolution sensor [output end of trans], and a turbine sensor [input end]. Which one are you referring to?

[joojoo2915]

I am not sure, I will find out for sure tomorrow but I believe all that was mentioned in the check engine diagnostic was the speed sensor.

[joojoo2915]

Alright, all that is listed on the repair sheet is speed sensor malfunction. I inquired about the cost to fix and the guy said his distributor didn't have the speed sensor so he'd have to look around but the labor was only estimated at 45 minutes. The guy I talked to didn't mention anything about changing the whole speedometer head, though, so maybe it won't be horrible to get fixed at a mechanic.