Vehicle Speed Sensor: Testing and Inspection

Speed Signal, Checking

The following procedure requires a test drive. Observe all safety precautions.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Multimeter.

• Wiring diagram.

Test requirements

• The Speedometer (G21) OK.

• The Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) (J220) fuses OK.

• Battery voltage at least 12.5 volts.

• All electrical consumers such as, lights and rear window defroster, switched off.

• A/C switched off.

• Ground (GND) connections between engine/transmission/chassis OK.

• Ignition switched off.

Test procedure

- Perform a preliminary check to verify the customers complaint. Refer to => [ Engine Control Module, Replacing ] Engine Control Module, Replacing.

Start diagnosis

- Connect the scan tool.

- Perform a road test with a vehicle speed greater than 5 Km/h.

- Using the scan tool, Check the vehicle speed:





- Compare the vehicle speed on the scan tool to the Speedometer (G21).

Specified value: a difference of no greater than 10%.

If the specified value was not obtained or no speed was displayed:

- Check the wiring from the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) (J220) to the Instrument Cluster Control Module (J285) for an open circuit, Short to Battery (+), or to Ground (GND).

- Check the wiring connection for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals.

- If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.

- Erase the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory ] Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory.

- Perform a road test to verify repair.

If the DTC does not return:

Repair complete, Generate readiness code. Refer to => [ Readiness Code ] Readiness Code.

- End of diagnosis.

If the DTC does return and no malfunction is detected in the wiring and the voltage supply was OK:

- Replace the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) (J220). Refer to => [ Engine Control Module, Replacing ] Engine Control Module, Replacing.

- Assembly is performed in the reverse of the removal.

Final procedures

After the repair work, the following work steps must be performed in the following sequence:

1. Check the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 03 - Read DTC Memory ] Diagnostic Mode 03 - Read DTC Memory.

2. If necessary, erase the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory ] Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory.

3. If the DTC memory was erased, generate readiness code. Refer to => [ Readiness Code ] Readiness Code.