Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Vehicle Speed Sensor: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
Informs the ECM of vehicle speed.

LOCATION
An integral part of the speedometer assembly.

OPERATION
The ECM applies and monitors a 12V signal to the sensor. When the drive wheels are turning, the sensor alternately grounds the circuit, creating a pulsing action. The ECM calculates vehicle speed based on the time between pulses.