A typical car needs to have its speed constantly monitored by internal engine sensors. Sensors, such as the vehicle speed sensor, allow the engine's on-board computer to adjust the engine's functioning parameters for the best power performance.
The vehicle speed sensor, sometimes referred to as a transmission speed sensor, detects the transmission's shifting process, as well as the resulting torque. Without the sensor, the vehicle would have a malfunctioning torque converter and incorrect shifting of the transmission's gears.
The vehicle speed sensor, or VSS, is located near the transmission's output shaft. The specific placement of the sensor allows the sensor to detect, and report, to the engine's computer through attachment cabling, the rotation and speed of the shaft.
Multiple transmission sensors might be used for race cars.
