Free API
Help
2013 FORD EXPLORER
3.5L V6 EcoBoost•AWD•AUTOMATIC•gas•turbo
12 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Founding sponsor spot is openYour name on every procedure for this vehicle, permanently.Sponsor — $99 →
Repairs0Labor484Torque1509Fluid9DTC1894Battery1Maintenance0Recalls12
P1500moderate severityPowertrain

Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent

on 2013 Ford Explorer 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · AWD

What this code means

The vehicle speed sensor signal is intermittent. The PCM is detecting dropout or erratic signals from the VSS.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Erratic speedometer
  • Transmission shifting problems
  • Cruise control inoperative
  • ABS light may illuminate

Common causes

  • Faulty vehicle speed sensor
  • Damaged VSS wiring
  • Loose VSS connector
  • Corroded connector pins
  • Faulty tone ring

Diagnostic steps

  1. Monitor VSS signal on scan tool during test drive
  2. Inspect VSS connector and wiring
  3. Wiggle test wiring while monitoring
  4. Test VSS output signal
  5. Inspect tone ring for damage

Repair notes

Replace VSS if signal is erratic. Repair wiring or connector.

🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Budget handheld~$40
ANCEL AD410 →
No-phone-needed handheld — reads, clears, live data, freeze frame.
✓ ANCEL official store
Serious DIY~$100
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
SHOP FAVORITE
Shop-grade tablet~$300
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
✓ Autel official store
Pro diagnostics$1,500+
Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro →
Full-system pro platform — topology mapping, ECU coding, the works.
✓ Autel official store
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

For shop owners
Diagnosing for customers?
Text them the estimate with photos and get approval in minutes with Auto Shop Base.
Talk to the ownerSee what's included
Built by a shop owner. Talk to Chris, not a sales rep.
🔌 Need this data in your app? It's all in the free API →
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
Stuck on this repair? Take it to The Diag Desk — ask a master tech about this exact car → real human answer within 24h, never AI
Share:XRedditFBWhatsAppThreadsEmail
⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 2013 Ford Explorer repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the Ford Explorer — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 10 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
A free website, SEO and Google reviews with your shop software. Auto Shop Base Professional, $250/mo, with our labor times on every estimate.
See what's included →