Expert: Roland Finston - 7/4/2011

Question
QUESTION: I need help finding the exact location of the vehicle speed sensor on my 2000 chrysler Voyager - base model - 4 cyl - auto trans.

ANSWER: Hi Herb,
I am not sure which type of transmission you have: manual ao automatic 3 speed or automatic 4 speed. Let me know and then I can give you the specifics. May I ask what is the problem?
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The Auto Zone scan tool received a P0500 code - bad vss - my speedometer does not work - I have a 3 speed automatic transmision(31TH - 3 speed)

Answer
Hi Herb,
The vehicle speed sensor is on the firewall side of the powertrain, it screws into the top side of the transaxle extension housing directly above/adjacent to where the right side drive shaft connects into the housing. You will probably find it easier to see/access if the front of the van is up on jackstands and you go from underneath but I can't be sure (the manual mentions lowering the van at the end, without having mentioned jacking it up at the start to remove). It has a 3-wire connector (lift tab on edge to release connector from its socket) and make sure the weather seal stays with the connector. A single bolt, also on the top side adjacent to the sensor body holds it to the housing which when removed will allow you to pull the sensor straight up and out of the housing. You can then inspect the pinion gear on the end of the sensor for damaged teeth.
Often in the case of earlier model of the 3-speed automatic in the 80's-90's that gear was damaged when/if the right side drive shaft was removed WITHOUT first removing the sensor. That may be what happened to yours if you had cv joint/wheel bearing work done on that side*. When you put the sensor back in use a new o-ring seal and tighten the bolt to 5 foot-pounds.
Roland
PS Thanks for the rating. May a ask that you 'rate' me again, and this time where you see the question about a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month' consider giving a 'yes' response. Thank you
*If a shop did such .

PPS I can tell you the wiring connections and purposes if you would like to check that out.
The sensor pulsing signal which is proportionate to the velocity is carried on the dark blue/orange wire from pin 3 at the sensor to pin 66 at the pcm. There should be an 8V operating voltage at pin 1 of the sensor that comes from pin 44 at the pcm, with a splice at the rear of the engine which also supplies the voltage to the crank and cam sensors, all on brown/pink wires. Finally the reference ground wire is dark blue/dark green on pin 2 of the sensor that goes to pin 43 at the pcm with a splice near the park/neutral position switch.
Thanks for the rating and nomination.
Roland