Transmission Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) G38 , checking

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 2000 Volkswagen GTI, and 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Multimeter
Wiring diagram

Requirements

The Transmission Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) G38 fuse OK.
The battery voltage must be at least 12.5 Volts.
All electrical consumers must be switched off.
The parking brake must be engaged.

The selector lever must be in the "P" position.
The Ground (GND) connections to transmission must be OK.
Ignition switched off.

Test procedure

Perform a preliminary check to verify the customers complaint. Refer to → Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) J220 , replacing

Start diagnosis

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Vehicle Speed Sensor G38

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Disconnect the Transmission Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) G38 electrical harness connector - arrow -.
Check the electrical harness connector for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals.
Repair any damage found to the electrical harness connector.

If the electrical harness connector is not OK:

Repair the malfunction.

If the electrical harness connector is OK:

Checking wiring

If the manufacturers test box is being used. Perform the following step.

Install the Adapter - 68 Pin VAG1598/18. Refer to 38 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEARS, HYDRAULIC CONTROLS .

If the manufacturers test box is not being used. Perform the following step.

Remove the Transmission Control Module (TCM) J217. → Transmission Control Module (TCM) J217 , replacing .

Fig 2: 2-Pin Electrical Harness Connector & Terminals

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Using a multimeter , check the Transmission Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) G38 electrical harness connector terminals to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) J217 electrical harness connector T68 terminals for an open circuit.

Transmission Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) G38 electrical harness connector terminal	Transmission Control Module (TCM) J217 electrical harness connector T68 terminals or test box sockets
1	66
2	21

Specified value: 1.5 Ω Max.

If the specification was not obtained:

Check the wiring for a short circuit to each other, Battery (+), and Ground (GND).
If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.

If no malfunction is found in the wiring and the resistance was not OK:

Replace the Transmission Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) G38. For all Automatic Transmission system removal/installation procedures and torque specifications. Refer to 38 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEARS, HYDRAULIC CONTROLS .

If no malfunction is found in the wiring and the resistance was OK:

Replace the Transmission Control Module (TCM) J217. For all Automatic Transmission system removal/installation procedures and torque specifications. Refer to 38 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEARS, HYDRAULIC CONTROLS .
Erase the DTC memory. Refer to → Diagnostic Mode 04: Reset/delete diagnostic data
Perform a road test to verify repair.

If the DTC does not return:

Repair complete, Generate readiness code. Refer to → Readiness Code .

End diagnosis.

If the DTC does return and no malfunction is detected in the wiring and the voltage supply was OK:

Replace the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) J220. Refer to → Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) J220 , replacing .
Assembly is performed in the reverse of the removal.

Final procedures

Check the DTC memory.
If necessary, erase DTC memory of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) J217.
Generate readiness code.

End of diagnosis