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HomeWaveforms2018 Ford F-150Vehicle Speed Sensor

Vehicle Speed Sensor

2018 Ford F-150 · 3.5L V6 EcoBoost

0V0.0V0VN/A - monitor via scan tool PID | N/Adc-square
Sensor Type
hall-effect
Waveform Type
dc-square
Location
Integrated into rear differential (electronic speedometer signal), not a standalone sensor - speed calculated from ABS wheel sensors via CAN bus to PCM and IPC
Pins
Unknown
0
Timebase
N/A - monitor via scan tool PID
Voltage Scale
N/A
Trigger
N/A

Wiring

No direct wiring - speed signal transmitted digitally via HS-CAN network from ABS module to instrument cluster and PCM

Expected Voltage Range

At Idle
0V to 0V
At Higher RPM
2.5V to 4.5V

Expected Pattern

Digital CAN bus message, not a traditional VSS sensor - to observe use CAN bus analyzer or monitor PCM PID for vehicle speed

Known-Good Waveform

2015-2020 F-150 does not use a traditional output shaft speed sensor. Vehicle speed is calculated by the ABS module from the four wheel speed sensors and transmitted via HS-CAN at 500 kbps. Monitor using scan tool PID 'VEHICLE_SPEED' which should match actual speed within 1 mph. The signal updates approximately 50-100 times per second on the CAN network.

Common Failure Patterns

Speedometer reads 0 mph while driving, transmission may not shift properly
Cause: ABS module failure to calculate or transmit speed, HS-CAN bus communication fault, or multiple wheel speed sensor failures
Related DTCs: P0500, U0073, U0121
Erratic speedometer reading, jumps between values
Cause: One or more faulty wheel speed sensors providing incorrect data to ABS module calculation algorithm
Related DTCs: P0502, P0503
Speedometer functional but cruise control inoperative
Cause: PCM not receiving vehicle speed message on CAN, network termination issue, or PCM internal fault
Related DTCs: U0121, U0155

Diagnostic Tips

Unlike older Fords, this vehicle has no traditional VSS on the transmission or differential. All speed data comes from ABS wheel sensors via CAN network. If speedometer is inoperative, start by checking all four wheel speed sensors and ABS module communication. Use bidirectional scan tool to verify HS-CAN integrity on pins 3 and 11 of OBD-II connector (CAN-H at 2.5V nominal, CAN-L at 2.5V nominal, 120-ohm termination resistance).

Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes

P0500P0501P0502P0503
Always confirm waveform data with your vehicle's OEM service manual before diagnosing.

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