Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Sierra, 2009 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2009 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) also called the output speed sensor (OSS) creates a AC voltage signal that increases in frequency as vehicle speed increases. The transmission control module (TCM) receives and process this signal. The TCM provides a digital VSS signal on the data communication line to the engine control module (ECM) and other controllers connected to the data line. The TCM also provides an identical VSS signal on a separate circuit to the ECM. The ECM will test and compare the two signals for being identical and valid.