Replacing VSS

[1996QShip]

So it turns out my vehicle speed sensor is on the fritz. I'm guessing this as the speedo, odometer, and power steering stopped working. I've called the stealership $217; Autozone $295. Then I went to pull-a-parts $10 and about 5 mins. of labor.
So I'm planning on replacing this part this weekend and am looking for input from my friends. The car I was scavenging did not have a transmission pan. So taking the sensor off was really easy. However getting the electrical connection off was a real b****. Does anybody have any tricks? Also will transmission fluid pour out when I remove the VSS from my car?
Any coments would be much appreciated, as the FSM is not too helpful on this topic

[kevindanielk]

Put only the rear tires up on ramps and the transmission fluid will lean towards the front of the pan, and not leak out the back when you pull the VSS out. I always do that when changing rear transmission seals and working on the back of any transmission. The electrical connection from the VSS to the harness plug is quite a biatch to remove since it's tangled in with the other sensor's wires but take your time and separate them and it should be an easy job. You will have to drop the small metal cover that's under the harness bunch plugs, held on by two 10mm bolts. It should not take you more than an hour to completely change that VSS out.

[1996QShip]

Cool. Thanks for the tip. I was wondering which set of wheels to put up. Now I have my answer. Do I need to use any dielectric grease on the connections?

[qship96]

why not just take this opportunity to unscrew the drainplug on the transmission, let old fluid drain, replace sensor, then refill with fresh ATF......your transmission will thank you for the extra attention!

[1996QShip]

I just did the trans. flush and filter last weekend like a dumb dumb! I just haven't been thinking straight lately

[kevindanielk]

I don't think any grease is necessary since inside the socket when the two plugs meet there is a type of red rubber gasket that seals out the elements. Make sure that red rubber gasket is in there, when you plug the VSS plug back onto the harness plug. It can and does fall out when you separate the two plugs. I think Nissan invented that type of plug socket gasket just for under-car applications(really wet locations). Seems to work well enough though.

[1996QShip]

So I just replaced the vss. Last pm the TCS lights came on. And this morning the car was dead. Apparently the abs thingy in front of the passenger side firewall was running all night and killed my battery. Today I replaced the vss attached to the transmission. Still no speedo and PS. I'm thinking the other speed sensor in the back may be the issue. The only problem is I don't know where it is. Can anyone help? Pictures would be better

[Q451990]

I think it's just as likely your instrument cluster... the P/S solenoid feeds through it if I remember one of Q45Tech's posts correctly.

Heath

[1996QShip]

I've been thinking that too. But I crawled under the back of the car today. And much to my surprise. There are a couple of speed sensor looking things connected to the differential. Both of which looked pretty looked pretty crappy with some rust on each one