This procedure addresses replacement of the vehicle speed sensor, as the 2015 Kia Forte uses 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 × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
4. Allow engine and transmission to cool if recently driven
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the transmission speed sensor
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the driver's side of the automatic transmission case, near the output shaft. The sensor has an electrical connector and is secured by a single bolt.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the speed sensor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector away from the sensor. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Remove the sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single mounting bolt securing the speed sensor to the transmission housing. Keep the bolt for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Extract the speed sensor
   Carefully pull the speed sensor straight out of the transmission case. The sensor has an O-ring seal that may cause slight resistance. Be prepared for a small amount of transmission fluid to drip out. Wipe the area clean with shop towels.
   ℹ️Do not twist or pry the sensor as this may damage the transmission case bore.
5. 5

   Inspect the transmission bore
   Examine the transmission case bore where the sensor was installed. Remove any debris or old O-ring material. Wipe clean with a shop towel.
6. 6

   Prepare the new sensor
   Install the new O-ring seal onto the new speed sensor if not pre-installed. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean automatic transmission fluid to ease installation.
7. 7

   Install the new speed sensor
   Carefully insert the new speed sensor straight into the transmission case bore, ensuring the O-ring does not twist or roll. Push the sensor in until it seats fully against the transmission case.
8. 8

   Secure the sensor mounting bolt
   Install the mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the sensor is properly seated before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts32 Nm (24 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the speed sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and lower vehicle
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Terminal Bolts6 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and locked
2. Check transmission fluid level and top off if necessary with Kia SP-IV-M ATF
3. Verify no transmission fluid leaks around the sensor after installation

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle for 1 minute
• Check for transmission fluid leaks around the speed sensor
• Take a test drive and verify speedometer operation is accurate at various speeds
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner to confirm no speed sensor codes are present
• Verify cruise control operation if equipped, as it relies on the speed sensor signal

More procedures for this vehicle