Where to buy an Output Shaft Speed Sensor? (OSS)

[ricepatrol]

Hey Guys,

I've been lurking for a while, and have sucked a lot of good information out of previous posts. It seems like we've got some really knowledgable people here on this forum.
I've run up on a problem that the search function can't seem to help me with...

Here's the description of my problem, and what led to it:

Yesterday I replaced the 4x4 CM module due to my lack of 4x4. Upon installation of the CM, 4x4 worked, and it was great!

I decided later on last night to go out and play in the snow. Hindsight being 20/20, I wish I wouldn't have.
I got stuck, and it took a while to get out.

Upon getting out, I found that my transmission was acting up.
My O/D light was blinking, and I had NO reverse! It would free rev, as it would in neutral.

I limped home, all the while the shifting was horrible. While in "D," it would stay in first, then slip into a neutral-like state (free rev, and I would coast), grab again for a bit (30 seconds or so), then slip out again.
When I manually selected 2nd gear, it fought me a little bit, but then appeared to actually get into 2nd gear and hold it.

I took another car to autozone, and got the OBDII scanner, per some posts I've read. I came up with code "P0720." -Output Shaft Sensor Circuit Malfunction. (BUT, the O/D light was not flashing when I started the car this morning)

I've noticed that multiple codes exist for the OSS, and being a sensor, I would just be inclined to replace it anyway. (Hence me not asking what the difference between Circuit Malfunction/Performance/Intermittent actually is)

Anyway, after some searching, I cannot find where to buy the OSS!
I can't seem to find it on:
WWW.transmissionpartsusa.com
Or even a part number from Motorcraft's website.
Hell, I can't even find a part from a straight up google search!

This is the best I can do from Autozone's website:
http://www.autozone.com/R,1475765/v...partType,01730/shopping/partProductDetail.htm
However, I'm not sure whether this is actually an OSS/ISS/TSS or a VSS!

Upon reading what the syptoms of a failed OSS are, I'm hoping this will fix the problem.
My gut instinct is telling me that this is much more than just an OSS sensor.
Tranny guru's, could a failed OSS sensor cause a "No reverse" condition, along with shifting issues as described?

Or am I looking at a bad solenoid like my gut tells me?

Any input is appreciated. I've tried to keep my hands off of the explorer, since the 87 Mustang 5.0 project that I've had for 5 or 6 years has been enough. The problem is, now I have a problem, and don't know this car front to back like I do the Mustang...

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[section525]

Which tranny?

Glacier picked up a new one for the 4r70w for $15 from Ford.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161096

 

[ricepatrol]

I believe it's the 5R55W.
02' Automatic 4x4 Explorer Sport-

That part number was what I needed!
I wasn't able to find it anywhere, but now that I have the part number, I have something to ask the dealer about.
Do you know if Glacier had to order it from the dealer, or did they have it in stock?

Does this sensor produce issues like my car is showing?
Does anybody think this will solve the problem?

Thanks!

 

[ricepatrol]

Bump...

Does a faulty OSS cause a "No reverse" condition, and very harsh shifting?

I have some time over the holiday here, and I need to get this fixed. If I need to start looking at something else, and ordering more parts... let me know!

Thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

It would be a good idea to include your vehicle, and location into your profile. Clean the harness bulkhead connector before you replace any sensors. The reverse problem might be related to the low/reverse servo or the valve body. Do you have manual 1st gear? Do you see your reverse lights turn on when you put it into reverse? Sometimes the MLPS (DTRS) could be out of alignment.

 

[ricepatrol]

Okay, I have the vehicle on ramps.

I poked around down there, and all of the sensors and wiring harnesses look good. Hell, they're actually dry.

I do in fact have manual 1st gear, and my reverse lights come on while reverse is selected.

So if manual 1st works, does that rule out the low/reverse servo? What do you think is the issue here?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It might be a good idea to pull out the servo, and check the tip for cracks. You could test the band with a long phillips screwdriver to see if it has sufficient spring action. The TransTec Vition D ring kit is recommended as a replacement for the OEM O ring seals. I think that it might have an internal valve body problem.

 

[ricepatrol]

Update:

Low and behold, after getting the pan off, I noticed a gasket blow-out coming from the low/reverse servo area.
I'm assuming this is either THE problem, or just one of them.
One thing that makes me curious, is how I can have manual 1st with this servo gasket issue, but not reverse?

Operating under the "just one of them" assumption, and after learning about the pitfalls with this valve body, I think I've decided to go with a rebuilt unit from Central Valve Bodies.
Knowing what you know about the potential problem areas, do you feel that the worked over unit from Donny addresses enough of the problem areas?

I pulled out the servo, and it looks good. The O-rings are also appear to be in great shape. Are they a huge problem area? I see you suggested the D-ring kit, and I'm wondering whether I should replace the stock o-rings with them. (Given that I don't think they are the problem, and they're in good shape)

Thanks guys!!!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Some people who had a delayed shift in reverse installed the D ring kit, and they said that the delay was hardly noticeable afterward if there was even a delay. Donny tests his valve bodies, and modifies the separator plates by drilling holes in specific locations to improve fluid circulation.

 

[ricepatrol]

Well, I've just installed the VB from Central Valve Bodies, along with the D-ring kit for the low/reverse servo, fresh filter, fluid, and gaskets.

The car shifts great in all the forward gears, but still no reverse.

I can hear a slight grinding coming from underneath the car while in reverse.
I hesitate to call it 'grinding' as it sounds more like 'chafing.'
I've yet to attempt to determine exactly where it's coming from.

1. If the shift fork is damaged/broken in the transfer case, would it produce such a sound?

2. Is there any way to determine whether the transfer case is the problem?

I'm at a crossroads here, where I'd send the car to a transmission shop, who will likely tell me "you need a transmission rebuild."
However, if there's a way to narrow it down to the transfer case instead, I could be saving myself hundreds of dollars, by either fixing the problem myself, or having a tranny shop do it for me.

SINCE the problem happened while REALLY stressing my reverse gear,
AND after recently reviving the transfer case after untold miles of hibernation (through the use of the newfound 4x4, via the fresh CM)
...this problem seems to fit the conditions that led to it.

3. Thoughts on this, and IDEAS?

4. What could produce a chafing sound within the transmission?

Thanks!

PS: I'm really in a ****ty spot here, as this vehicle is my daily driver, and I am stuck without it. I was fortunate that this happened over the holiday season when I had time off.
However that time is now up.

 

[IZwack]

2. Is there any way to determine whether the transfer case is the problem?

Yes, you drop the transfer case, hold the rear output flange firmly with one hand, rotate the input splined shaft with the other in one direction, then the other direction.

 

[George W]

ricepatrol,

I am having the same issues as you with the no reverse flashing OD light and slipping.. On my 2002 Ranger it has the same tranny. Did you ever get yours fixed? What was your issue, how did you make out? Please post! Thank you!! George