patvette

Hi:

Is there a difference between a "Speedometer speed sensor" and a "Speedometer signal generator", or are they the same thing with just a different name?

If they are different, where is the "Speedometer signal generator" found on a 1985 corvette? Expensive? Easy to change? Where to buy?

Thanks

engle1147

They pretty much generate the same end result. A signal generator is a kind of generic term. The VSS (vehicle speed sensor) on these C4 vettes are electro mechanical devices. On a stock application the VSS is located in the transmission near the tail end of the main part of the case - the VSS is connected to the output shaft of the transmission via 2 plastic gears. As the transmission's output shaft turns these gears turn. One of these 2 gears is mounted/fixed to a small signal generating device within the "VSS" itself. It is at this point when the mechanical signal turns electrical in nature and allows the opportunity for the signal to make its way to instrument cluster and/or onboard computer (depending on year) for signal interpretation. Be aware that different years/transmission types may call for different VSS. Some VSS for certain years are more expensive than others. The VSS alone is pretty easy to change. Run/do a "search" here on the CF for more information on the topic.