This procedure addresses replacement of the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8. Modern F-150s use an electronic speed sensor instead of a traditional speedometer cable.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• O-ring seal for VSS × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely if recently driven
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support with jack stands on frame rails
6. Locate the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the driver side of the transmission tailhousing (2WD) or transfer case (4WD)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the Vehicle Speed Sensor
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the VSS on the driver side of the transmission tailhousing (2WD models) or on the rear of the transfer case (4WD models). The sensor is a small cylindrical component with an electrical connector on top. Clean the area around the sensor with brake cleaner to prevent debris from entering the transmission.
2. 2

   Disconnect Electrical Connector
   Press the tab on the electrical connector and pull straight away from the VSS to disconnect. If the connector is difficult to remove, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully depress the locking tab while pulling. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Remove VSS Mounting Bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the VSS to the transmission or transfer case housing. Keep the bolt as it will be reused if in good condition. The bolt may have a ground wire attached; note its position for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Extract Vehicle Speed Sensor
   Gently twist and pull the VSS straight out from the housing. The sensor has an O-ring seal that may cause slight resistance. If fluid drips from the opening, this is normal as a small amount of transmission fluid may be present. Have a shop towel ready to catch any fluid.
   ℹ️Minimal transmission fluid loss (less than 1 ounce) is normal and does not require topping off.
5. 5

   Inspect Sensor Bore
   Examine the sensor bore in the transmission or transfer case for metal debris, dirt, or damage to the sealing surface. Clean the bore opening with a lint-free shop towel. Check the drive gear inside the housing (visible through the opening) for damage or missing teeth.
6. 6

   Prepare New Sensor
   Remove the new VSS from packaging and verify it matches the old sensor in size and connector type. Check that the new O-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean transmission fluid to ease installation and prevent damage.
7. 7

   Install New Vehicle Speed Sensor
   Align the sensor drive tang with the slot in the drive gear inside the housing. Push the sensor straight into the bore until it seats fully against the housing. The sensor should sit flush with minimal gap. Rotate slightly if resistance is felt to align the drive tang.
8. 8

   Install Mounting Bolt
   Install the VSS mounting bolt, ensuring any ground wire is positioned correctly if applicable. Hand-tighten the bolt first to ensure proper threading. Torque the bolt to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as the sensor housing can crack.
   ⚠The VSS housing is plastic on many models. Overtightening the mounting bolt can cause cracking and sensor failure.
   Torque spec

   Cable Fitting10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect Electrical Connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the VSS until it clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure the connector seal is properly seated to prevent moisture intrusion.
10. 10

    Reconnect Battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification. The PCM may need to relearn some parameters after battery disconnection.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove from work area
2. Remove wheel chocks
3. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature
4. The check engine light may illuminate briefly as the PCM relearns sensor parameters

Verification

• With engine running, verify no transmission fluid leaks around the VSS
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for speed sensor-related codes (P0500, P0720)
• Test drive the vehicle and verify speedometer operates correctly at various speeds
• Confirm odometer is accumulating mileage properly
• Verify transmission shifts normally through all gears
• Check that cruise control engages and maintains speed if equipped

More procedures for this vehicle