transmission
Transmission Speed Sensor - Output
for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.3 h
Tools
9
Steps
10
🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the output speed sensor on the 6L80/6L90 automatic transmission in a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.
Warnings
⚠Ensure transmission fluid is cool before beginning work to prevent burns
⚠The vehicle must be properly supported on jack stands; never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
ℹ️Some transmission fluid will drain when the sensor is removed; have a drain pan ready
ℹ️Do not start the engine with the sensor removed or significant fluid loss will occur
Tools required
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Socket set (10mm, 13mm)Essential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Flat blade screwdriver or trim tool
Shop towels or ragsEssential
Drain panEssential
Wire brush
Electrical contact cleaner
Parts
- Output speed sensor × 1 — ACDelco 24273546 or equivalent
- Sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor
Fluids
- ACDelco Dexron VI ATF — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently driven
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starting
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Remove plastic belly pan or skid plate if equipped to access transmission
Procedure
- 1Locate the output speed sensorThe output speed sensor is located on the driver's side of the transmission case, near the rear output shaft. It is positioned on the transmission tail housing with a two-wire electrical connector. Position drain pan beneath the sensor location.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wiring harness. If connector is stubborn, gently wiggle while pulling or use a flat blade screwdriver to release the locking tab.
- 3Remove sensor retaining boltUsing a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the output speed sensor to the transmission case. Keep the bolt in a safe place for reinstallation.ℹ️Transmission fluid will begin to seep around the sensor once the bolt is loosened
- 4Extract the sensorCarefully pull the sensor straight out of the transmission case. Twist slightly while pulling if resistance is felt. Allow residual transmission fluid to drain into the pan. Expect approximately 4-8 ounces of fluid loss.
- 5Inspect and clean sensor boreInspect the sensor bore in the transmission case for debris, metal shavings, or damage. Use a clean shop towel to wipe the bore clean. If metal shavings are present, this may indicate internal transmission wear. Check the old sensor reluctor ring area for damage or metallic buildup.
- 6Prepare new sensorRemove the new sensor from packaging and verify it matches the old sensor design. Check that the new O-ring seal is properly seated in the sensor groove. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean Dexron VI ATF to aid installation and prevent seal damage.
- 7Install new sensorCarefully align the sensor with the bore and push it firmly into place until it seats fully against the transmission case. The sensor should slide in smoothly without binding. Ensure the sensor is fully seated before proceeding.
- 8Install retaining boltInstall the sensor retaining bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor body or strip the aluminum transmission case threads.Torque specSensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorPush the electrical connector onto the sensor until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked. Ensure the wiring harness is properly routed and not contacting hot or moving components.
- 10Check and refill transmission fluidUsing the transmission dipstick, check the fluid level with the engine off. Add Dexron VI ATF as needed to bring the level to the cold full mark. Start the engine, allow it to reach normal operating temperature, shift through all gears, then recheck fluid level in Park with engine running and add fluid if necessary to reach the hot full mark.
Reassembly
- Reinstall belly pan or skid plate if removed, ensuring all fasteners are secure
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Reconnect negative battery cable
- Remove wheel chocks
Verification
- Start engine and verify no Check Engine Light is present
- Using a scan tool, verify the output speed sensor is reporting a signal (should read 0 MPH with vehicle stationary, transmission in Park)
- Test drive vehicle and confirm speedometer operates correctly
- Check for transmission fluid leaks around the sensor after test drive
- Verify transmission shifts properly through all gears
- Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if needed