- TSS = Turbine Speed Sensor: it measures transmission input speed.
- The computer compares it with the output sensor to decide when to shift.
- When it fails: harsh shifts, limp mode and a Check Engine light with P0715, P0716 or P0717 (or P0718 on some models).
- Check the connector and wiring first; if the sensor is bad, replace it.
- The sensor depends on the transmission: the tables below show which one fits your Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler or VW.
If you searched for "TSS sensor", your scanner probably showed a transmission code, or your automatic car started shifting strangely. The TSS sensor is a small part, but without it the transmission computer is working blind. In this article we'll explain what it is, how it works, the symptoms when it fails and what to do about it.
What is the TSS sensor?
TSS stands for Turbine Speed Sensor. Trouble code lists also call it the input speed sensor. Its job is to measure how fast the transmission input shaft turns, which is driven by the torque converter turbine.
Don't mix it up: TSS is also the name of our brand, TSS Genuine Parts. And in water treatment, a "TSS sensor" measures total suspended solids, which is a different instrument altogether. This article is about the transmission sensor; at the end we tell you where to get one.
How does the turbine speed sensor work?
The sensor sits in front of a toothed wheel or drum inside the transmission. Every tooth that passes it creates an electrical pulse, and from the frequency of those pulses the transmission control module (TCM or PCM) calculates input speed.
It then compares that number with the output speed sensor (OSS). That comparison tells it which gear the car is in, whether clutches or bands are slipping, when to make the next shift and when to lock the torque converter clutch. If the input signal is missing or wrong, all of those calculations fail. To tell the two sensors apart, see this guide (in Spanish) on the turbine speed sensor vs the output speed sensor.
Symptoms of a bad TSS sensor
When the turbine speed sensor starts to fail, the transmission usually warns you with one of these symptoms:
- Harsh, late or mistimed shifts: the computer doesn't know the input speed and gets the shift timing wrong.
- Limp mode: the transmission stays in one gear to protect itself and the car loses power.
- Check Engine light on with transmission codes.
- The torque converter doesn't lock up, which shows as higher highway RPM and more fuel use.
- Wrong gear ratio readings or apparent slipping on the scanner.
None of these symptoms is unique to the sensor: low fluid, a solenoid or a damaged valve body can look similar. Confirm with a scanner before replacing parts.
Trouble codes related to the TSS sensor
These are the OBD-II codes for the input or turbine speed sensor. For example, on some Ford transmissions the computer sets P0715 when the output sensor reports speed and the turbine sensor doesn't:
- P0715: input/turbine speed sensor circuit malfunction.
- P0716: the sensor signal is out of range or doesn't match what's expected.
- P0717: no signal from the sensor.
- P0718: intermittent sensor signal. Not every manufacturer uses it; Ford does, for example on its 6R transmissions.
Some manufacturers also use their own codes, so always check the exact description on your scanner.
Why does the turbine speed sensor fail?
- A damaged, loose or corroded connector or wiring. This is the most common cause and the cheapest to fix.
- Metal particles stuck to the sensor's magnetic tip, from normal transmission wear.
- Excessive heat: an overheating transmission speeds up wear on electrical parts.
- Internal failure of the sensor itself from age and mileage.
- A damaged reluctor (toothed) ring: the sensor is fine but the signal it reads is wrong.
How do you check and replace the TSS sensor?
Start by reading the codes with an OBD-II scanner and checking that the transmission fluid level and condition are correct.
Then check the sensor's connector and wiring: not loose, burnt or corroded. With a multimeter you can measure the sensor's resistance and compare it with the value in your transmission's service manual. If the sensor comes out from the outside, check its tip: clean off any metal debris, but keep in mind that a lot of debris usually points to internal transmission wear.
If the sensor is bad, replace it. Its location depends on the model: on many transmissions it's outside the case and easy to change; on others it's inside and you need to drop the pan or take part of the transmission apart. When you're done, clear the codes and test drive the car.
Which TSS sensor does your vehicle use?
The TSS sensor depends on the transmission, not the make, and the same model can change sensors from one year to the next. For example, a 1997 to 2003 F-150 with the 4R70W has no turbine speed sensor; the 2004 to 2008 trucks do, and from 2009 on they have a different transmission. These tables list the most common transmissions with an input or turbine speed sensor, and the TSS sensor that fits each one. Years are approximate: before you buy, confirm your transmission with the Transmisiones Veinte 07 identifier (in Spanish) and compare your sensor's connector with the new one.
TSS sensors for Ford
| Vehicle | Transmission | TSS sensor |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 to 2008 F-150 (Lobo in Mexico); Grand Marquis from 2005 | 4R70E or 4R75E | Mid-case turbine sensor |
| Harley-Davidson F-150 and some F-150s and Expeditions with the 5.4 V8; early-2000s F-250 and F-350 | 4R100 | With PTO or without PTO |
| F-250 and F-350 Super Duty with the 5-speed TorqShift (through 2010) | 5R110W | Input shaft sensor |
| 2002 to 2010 Explorer V6, 2007 to 2010 Sport Trac V6 and 2005 to 2010 Mustang | 5R55W or 5R55S | Input and output sensor |
| Explorer 4.0 V6 5-speed through 2001; 2001 to 2005 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac | 5R55E | Input sensor, front of the case |
| 2011 to 2019 Explorer and 2007 to 2018 Edge, V6 | 6F50 or 6F55 | 3-pin input sensor |
| 2001 to 2008 Escape, Contour and Mondeo | CD4E | Turbine sensor, black connector |
| 2000 to 2011 Focus, Mazda3 with the 4-speed automatic and Mexico's first-generation EcoSport automatic | 4F27E (FN4A-EL) | TSS input sensor |
| 2012 to 2018 Focus, 2011 to 2019 Fiesta and 2013 to 2017 EcoSport (Mexico) | PowerShift DPS6 | Kit of 3 input and output sensors |
| 4-speed Windstar, Taurus and Sable, through 2000 | AX4S or AX4N | For the AX4S or for the AX4N (4F50N) |
2009 and newer F-150s have the 6R80 and, on the newest, the 10R80: for those, ask your TSS distributor about availability. Which transmission each model has is in What transmission does my Ford have?, and common failures are in our guides to the 6R80, the 4R70W and 4R75E, the 5R55 and the PowerShift.
TSS sensors for Chevrolet
| Vehicle | Transmission | TSS sensor |
|---|---|---|
| 6-speed Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban (and Cheyenne in Mexico) | 6L80 or 6L90 | Early-type shaft, 2006 to 2013 or new-type shaft, 2013 on |
| Silverado, Tahoe, Colorado and TrailBlazer with a 2006 or newer 4L60E, if the transmission has an input sensor | 4L60E or 4L65E | Input sensor bolted to the stator |
| Cruze through 2016, Trax 1.4 turbo and 2013 to 2015 Malibu 2.5 | 6T40 | 2-pin input sensor |
| Venture and Uplander | 4T65-E | 4T65-E input sensor |
| 2007 to 2009 Optra 2.0 (Mexico) | ZF 4HP16 | Inductive input sensor |
| Chevy and Chevy C2 automatics (Mexico, 2003 to 2012), if the transmission is the AW60-40LE | AW60-40LE | Black input sensor |
Mexico's 2008 to 2018 Aveo uses Aisin's AW81-40LE: for its input sensor, ask your TSS distributor about availability. Which transmission each model has is in What transmission does my Chevrolet have?, and the 4L60E has its own problems guide.
TSS sensors for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep
| Vehicle | Transmission | TSS sensor |
|---|---|---|
| 4-speed Caravan, Grand Caravan, Town & Country and Voyager; PT Cruiser | 41TE (A604) | Input and output sensor kit or 22 mm input sensor |
| 2008 and newer Grand Caravan and Town & Country; Journey V6 | 62TE | 2-pin input and output sensor |
| 2003 to 2012 Jeep Liberty, 2003 to 2011 Wrangler and Ram 1500 with the 3.7 V6 | 42RLE | 42RLE input sensor |
| 2002 to 2012 Ram 1500 V8, Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 V8, and Ram 2500 and 3500 with the 6.7 diesel | 45RFE, 545RFE or 68RFE | RFE input and output sensor |
| Jeep Compass and Patriot with a CVT | JF011E | Input shaft sensor |
Their common problems, codes and what to check first are in our 41TE (A604) and 62TE transmission guide.
TSS sensors for Volkswagen
| Vehicle | Transmission | TSS sensor |
|---|---|---|
| A4 Jetta 2.0 and New Beetle 2.0 automatics (through 2007 in Mexico) | 01M | 01M speed sensors: the input one is G38 |
| Bora (sold in the US as the Jetta), A6 Jetta, Beetle and Passat with the 2.5 | 09G | 09G speed sensors: the input one is G182 |
On the 01M, the input (G38) and output (G68) sensors have identical connectors and are easy to swap by mistake. We explain how to tell them apart in our A4 Jetta 01M guide; for the 09G, see its problems guide.
Where to buy a TSS sensor
The TSS Genuine Parts electrical parts category has input, turbine and output speed sensors for transmissions such as the 6L80, 4L80E and 09G, among others. Pick your transmission model to see only the parts that fit it. You can also buy online from the Transmisiones Veinte 07 transmission sensor collection.
TSS is an aftermarket brand with OEM-comparable quality and quality control on every product. You can buy it from our authorized distributors: in the United States from Sun Transmissions, and in Mexico the full TSS catalog at Transmisiones Veinte 07.
Sensor Velocidad Enmedio del Casco 2004/UP 4R75W 4R70E 4R75E
Sensor de Velocidad Entrada Salida 5R55W 5R55S 5R55N
Sensor de Velocidad Entrada 3 Pines Atornillado al Estator 2005/UP 4L60E 4L65E
Sensor Entrada / Salida para Flecha tipo Viejo 2006/13 6L50 6L80 6L90 6L45 GA6-L45R
KIT SENSOR DE ENTRADA Y SALIDA A604
Sensor Velocidad ( Entrada 42rle ) ( Entrada Salida 45rfe 5-45rfe 68rfe )
Kit de 3 Sensores Entrada y Salida 6DCT250 DPS6
Sensor Velocidad Entrada 3 Pines 6F50 6F55