Can anyone provide a picture and/or good description of the where the VSS is located on a 4x4 98 Dodge Ram auto transmission? My OBD code reader is showing code p0500 and this matches up to the symptons:

* loss of anti-lock brakes
* the "anti-lock" or "brake" warning lamps on the dash may be lit
* speedometer not working
* the shifting is a little erratic of an automatic transmission may become erratic
* no cruise control

My Haynes manual did not have enough information to help me find it. Please help me out!

 

Should be on the side of the transmission on the driver's side. Fluid will come out when you remove it.

The speed sensor code is a tricky one though. More often than not it's set because of a faulty or failing TPS. It's cheaper than a TPS though, so it's something people usually replace first.

 

I'm not sure about the auto tranny, but shouldn't it be on the transfer case on a 4x4? I have a manual tranny and that's where it is, smack-dab 10 o'clock on the output shaft of my transfer case.

If you need a pic, I can go anap one with my digital...

 

A pic would be great! I will post a couple of my own later today of my best guess. Please note in your pic(s) where it is take in relation to the engine to give some point of reference.

 

From the factory service manual in regards to 98+ Rams....

Looks like your speed sensor may ONLY be located in your rear differential housing. If you lost your ABS, then that's the one I'd replace

 

Good news its on top of the axle so I shoulnt have any tranny fluid leak out. I'll yank it tonight and get a replacement.


wide shot
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...u/IMG_0290.jpg

zoomed in
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...u/IMG_0289.jpg

 

Bad news. Spent some time with different folks at Advanced Auto Parts and the only sensor located at the rear diff is the crankshaft sensor, not the speed sensor. It must be further up the driveshaft, unfortunately there are three protruding from and around the transmission. I may end up throwing in the towel on this one.

Speed sensor I got from Advanced Auto Parts looks nothing like the sensor I pulled from the rear. See pics in earlier post. Thanks for everyones help. Any more ideas? Go back to the transaxle?

 

Finally got the whole picture today from the Dodge Parts shop at Orlando Dodge. I always put off going to the dealership due the their prices, but they were very helpful this time! 98 Dodge Ram has TWO speed sensors, one in tranny and one in rear diff! Dealership asked me what Pep Boys and Advanced Auto Parts did not, "You need the sensor for the transmission or the rear diff.?" I unplugged one then the other and to narrow down which one was the culprit. It was the rear alright! As soon as I got it in the brake light, ABS went off. I cleared the DTC and it has not returned! Thanks for all the info above! Sometimes the dealership aint so bad!

 

Thanks for the pictures and write-up. I'm going through the same symptoms with my truck right now. I picked up a speed sensor from Advanced Auto Parts, but it is for the tranny and not the rear. I didn't put it in yet, so I'll take it back and see if they have the one for the rear. I'm wondering if this is a dealer only part?

 

ASH,

Advanced Auto Parts could only find the tranny speed sensor for me. Does your truck still shift? Try unplugging the tranny speed sensor (and the rear diff) and your truck should now have trouble shifting or not shift at all. Plug it back in and drive down to the dealership and ask for the rear diff speed sensor. Orlando Dodge charged me $46 and it took me maybe 10 minutes to install the new sensor. Guys at the dealership said the rear diff speed sensor failutre is a pretty common occurence with Rams and Durangos 97 - 01.

Hope this helps. Good luck!