VSS Replacement

Wombat John · 15-05-2014, 08:36 AM

The current car is a '98 Mondeo LX (built Nov '97), 2.0l Zetec, auto.

The current goal is RWC.

The current overall problem is to fix the speedo (doesn't move from 0), the overdrive (doesn't shift from 3 to 4), and the rough shifting (doesn't shift between 2 and 3 politely).

The current theory is a dodgy VSS, giving no speed info to the instruments or whatever computer is controlling the transmission.

The current task is to replace the VSS.

The current stumbling block is the removal of the VSS. I have found the VSS, removed the holding clamp, and pulled it & pinion gear assembly from the transmission. However, the electrical connection appears to be zip-tied to the lower side of an electrical conduit, itself below some air conditioner plumbing. Access from any direction is severely restricted.

The current question is: "Which piece of engine would be best to remove to provide access?" For the purposes of this question, "best" refers to a combination of easiest to remove & replace, and least likely to break or cause other undesirable consequences.

The current capacity for thanks is boundless.