Vehicle Speed Signal, Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Audi A4 Quattro, 2014 Audi A4 Quattro, and 2013 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

General Description

The Vehicle Speed Signal or VSS measures Transmission / Transaxle output or Wheel Speed from the ABS System. The signal is broadcasted over the CAN Bus. The Engine Control Module -J623- uses this information to modify engine functions such as ignition timing, A/F ratio, transmission shift points, and to initiate diagnostic routines.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Multimeter
Wiring Diagram
Scan Tool

Test requirements

Fuses OK.
Battery voltage OK.
Switch OFF all electrical and electronic accessories.
Vehicles with Auto. Transmission, ensure Selector Lever position is in "P".
Vehicles with Man. Transmission, ensure Shifter Lever position is in "N" with Parking Brake applied.
Coolant Temperature: ≥ 80° C.
Observe all safety precautions: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .
View clean working conditions: CLEAN WORKING CONDITIONS .
For Hybrid vehicles refer to: HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM GENERAL WARNINGS .

Test Procedure

Step	Procedure	Result / Action to Take
1	PERFORM: Preliminary Check to verify the customers complaint. Refer to PRELIMINARY CHECK . -- Was Complaint verified?	-- YES: GO TO: Step 2 -- NO: GATHER more information from customer about the complaint.
2	CONNECT: Scan Tool. ROAD TEST: Vehicle. CHECK: Scan Tool to Speedometer for accuracy. SPECIFIED VALUE: Difference ≤ 10%. -- Was Value obtained?	-- YES: CONDITION: May be intermittent. PERFORM: Visual Inspection of wiring and component. CHECK: Wiring for open, high resistance, short or harness connector for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals. REPAIR: Faulty wiring or connector. GO TO: Step 4 -- NO: GO TO: Step 3
3	CHECK: ABS system. CHECK: ABS DTC's. -- Was the ABS system OK?	-- YES: CHECK: CAN Bus wiring from Instrument Cluster Control Module -J285- to ABS Control Module -J104-. GO TO: Step 4 -- NO: REPAIR: Any ABS concerns 1st. GO TO: Step 4
4	Final Procedure Perform a road test to verify repair. Do any DTC's return:	-- YES: Check the DTC memory. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC MODE 04 - ERASE DTC MEMORY . Perform the diagnostic procedure for that DTC. -- NO: Repair is complete. Generate readiness code. Refer to READINESS CODE . Return vehicle to Customer.