Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) question (Page 1/2)
kevin MAR 19, 02:43 PM
Fellas,
I checked YouTube to get instructions on how to remove and replace my VSS. I could not find a step by step instructional video? My problem is that my tachometer reads my Iron Duke tach revolutions all wrong! This problem began when I successfully installed the instrument gauge package from a V6 Fiero into my Duke. What sensor do I purchase and from where?
Cordially,
kevin

[This message has been edited by kevin (edited 03-19-2019).]

olejoedad MAR 19, 03:47 PM
The VSS has nothing to do with the tachometer.

The problem is that the six cylinder tach is not set up for a four cylinder.

Forum member jgunsett may be able to help you with the problem.
fierofool MAR 19, 04:19 PM
The VSS has nothing to do with the tach. It only operates the speedometer. No need to remove it for your described problem.

But, to answer your question. How to remove the VSS. Assuming it's a manual since you don't identify the transmission or year, remove the 10mm bolt on the hold-down plate. Remove the plate. There's a small notch in the side of the VSS that the hold-down plate fits into. Using a wide flat blade screwdriver, leverage the VSS upward just enough to break the seal. Then take hold of the VSS with both hands and CAREFULLY remove it by rocking it while trying to remove it as you would safely remove the cork of a bottle of champagne. Once the body of the VSS clears the transmission case, SLOWLY lift it while observing the gear on the bottom, making sure that it doesn't snag on the case. It is only just slightly smaller than the hole the VSS fits into. Drop it into the transmission and you could be in for some headaches and expense if you can't retrieve it.

Now, the second problem. Your original tach was calibrated to register 4 cylinders. The one you installed is calibrated to register 6 cylinders, so your combination will read 1/3 lower than actual rpm. At engine speed of 3000 rpm, you will be showing about 2000 rpm. You can remove the tach from your old instrument panel and swap it into your new one very easily. Just be aware that when removing the clear face plate of the instrument pod, there are two small screws hidden up underneath the top of the pod. They hold the face to the pod. Failure to remove them can break your lens.

fierofool MAR 19, 04:20 PM
Beat me, Joe, while I was looking for a vss picture and cooking dinner.
olejoedad MAR 19, 07:11 PM
Hi Charlie! Hope all is well.

If the O/P were to switch out the tach, it would not be backlit like the rest of his gages.
fierofool MAR 19, 09:29 PM
Weren't only the 86 and later backlit? 85's were reflective. But I would bet since he said GT, he was referring to a fastback. Looking for that 120 mph speedometer.
Fiero2m4Fastback MAR 20, 01:07 AM

quote
Originally posted by fierofool:
Now, the second problem. Your original tach was calibrated to register 4 cylinders. The one you installed is calibrated to register 6 cylinders, so your combination will read 1/3 lower than actual rpm. At engine speed of 3000 rpm, you will be showing about 2000 rpm. You can remove the tach from your old instrument panel and swap it into your new one very easily.



Do you happen to know where to find info on converting tachs? I have a tach with the oil pressue guage in it that I'de like to use and eliminate the center pod, I don't know if it was set up for a 4cl or 6 but if set up for a 4cl, I would like to convert it.
fierofool MAR 20, 06:12 AM
See olejoedad's first post. Jack Gunset in Kentucky can probably do what you need. Search memberlist for jgunsett and you can retrieve his contact info.
olejoedad MAR 20, 06:53 AM
I had assumed you new gages were from an 86 and up GT, they would be backlit, with needles that glow when the lights are on.

Are my assumptions correct?
kevin MAR 20, 10:56 AM
olejoedad,
Thanks for the differentiation on my gauge cluster. I believe my cluster is from a later year Fiero. Is there a good way to identify which year Fiero gauge cluster I own? Perhaps there is an identification code that I can use? So what I understand from fierofool, I need to take my early year ‘85 Fiero gauge cluster and carefully install all my the later year cluster parts? I think I have that correct? So if I do that, the VSS remove and replace issue is no longer applicable. Correct?
Cordially,
kevin
Ps. This would be a good time to paint my needles with a very bright orange. Maybe I can do LED bulbs......?

[This message has been edited by kevin (edited 03-20-2019).]