Check Engine light - Vehicle Speed Sensor

[sazerac99us]

On my '96 Avalon, the check engine light came on, and after having it read at Autozone (I hate those guys, but Advance Autos code reader was broken) they told me it was the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Everything in the car seems to work fine (112K miles)(though I've only had it since 106K), and best I can tell its a part of the ABS brake system and about $200. I'm not one for trusting dealers advice too much, as they will reccomend replacing all parts until the light goes out. Does anyone have any experience with this? If the computer senses some spuriious code, will the light go out on its own, or does it have to be reset (and how to do that).

Thanks in advance for any help!!!!
Maurice

[silverxls]

i'm not familliar with autozone code reading, but it seems they should be able to turn off the check engine light with their code reader, whether or not they'll do this i don't know. it would be handy to see if it comes back on right away, indicating a prob or stays off indicating a funny reading maybe. once the light is on, it needs to be reset, and without a code reader, you can do it by disconnecting the battery for a few mins.

[toyomoho]

Did you get the code number? There is also a speed sensor that goes into the transmission. If this is an ABS wheel sensor, you might try cleaning them.