Nissan Repair: 1996 speed sensor, vehicle speed sensor, nissan maxima

Question
I have a 1996 Nissan Maxima. The check engine light came on and threw a code for the speed sensor or circuit. We replaced the speed sensor with one through autozone and cleared the code.  We also checked codes through the transmission computer, which also indicated speed sensor or circuit.  The check engine light stayed off for maybe 30 miles of drive time and then came back on throwing the same code. Is this still a speed sensor problem or a circuit?

Answer
Karla,

First check the connector to the vehicle speed sensor for damage and a good fit.  If you do this and reset the code and it comes back leads to the other end of the circuit and that is the speedometer itself.  You can remove the cluster and clean the contacts on the connection with a number 2 pencil eraser adn blow off the dust and reinstall and reset the code again.  If it comes back you will probably have to replace the cluster.  Now, remember that the vehicle speed sensor is a square wave generator and there could be a remote possibility that the new sensor is defective.  But, I have never had a replacement go bad in over 20 years...