Googolplex

Hey guys, first post here. I searched the forums but couldn't find an issue exactly like this.

96 ES300 with 240k miles. I've had an ongoing issue were I would be driving along and the speedometer would start to jump all over the place. It would do that for a couple minutes and then be ok again. Happens at any speed and the cruise will not function when it is happening but the odometer is always on. When at lower speeds 30-45 the transmission can't seem to decide what gear it wants to be in. Has been happening 1-2 times a week so I have just been letting it go.

Then the other day I had been driving for about 40 miles and the speedometer dropped to 0. After staying at 0 for a couple miles the engine would rev freely and the trans was not in gear. After about 20 seconds the speedometer jumped up to the speed and the trans went in gear. This was all at about 60mph. It did it once again on the way home but hasn't done it since. Also I'm not getting a CEL (assuming the light works). Trans fluid level is good and it looks and smells ok. Any ideas where to start? I'm going to check for codes later today.

Googolplex

Checked the codes and there is a P0500. So apparently my CEL light is not working. Best I can find the VSS is on the top of the transmission. Anyone have experience with this?

LeX2K

Time to replace the vehicle speed sensor and go from there.

Googolplex

Got one on the way. It's the 3-pin one at the top rear of the trans yes?

Googolplex

Installed the new VSS. So far so good. I can definitely tell it shifts smoother and speedometer doesn't jump around.