by 1987dodgearies » Fri Aug 08, 2014 5:15 pm
Just an update to those who also run into replacing the sensor , especially those cars with the 81-87 tall sensor.
I ended up at the local auto parts salvage yard and found several cars with the sensor, still installed. I bought a tall one and also a shorter "newer style" one. I'm thinking the shorter was was a replacement at some point, since it was off an 87 Dodge Colt, if I remember correctly.
When I compared the new style to the older one, it really is a direct drop in part. The actual portion that sticks down into the trans-axles case, is exactly the same length as the older taller one. The older tall style just incorporates a plastic tower spacer which off sets the speedometer sensor/speedometer driven gear assembly. So it makes no difference which you use. The newer one also retains the speedometer gear with two plastic retaining arms, whereas the older one uses a metal spring clip. When you hold them side by side, its clear it is a direct swap, despite cosmetic differences.
I kept the short "newer style" one as a spare and used the taller one in my 87 Aries. I had to cut the two wire leads from the plug harness and soldered in the harness end off my Aries. It figured, they had to be different to make it more involved. I would highly suggest soldering as opposed to crimping them. I used a solder made specifically for electrical connections, so I'm pretty sure I won't have any loss in the correct sensor signal.
Oh...this was after having to de-solder them and then re-do my soldering job, because the first time I SOLDERED THE LEADS IN REVERSE...paying close attention saves time and aggravation. You would think I'd learn.
But anyway, the replaced sensor has completely solved the surging while braking and that feeling that the transmission is slipping when coasting around corners, such as exit ramps.
For the sake of members her and K-car owners searching the internet for advice, If you didn't know any better such symptoms could easily be mistaken for a real transmission problem. So knowing this could save someone a costly repair, especially if you end up going to one of those garages aching to fix stuff in order to over charge you. Its a matter of a $35 new part or about $8 used... if your willing to go to the junkyard. Just remember that if you go to a junkyard, I'd suggest grabbing at least 2 because your taking a gamble, as these things seem to go much like the 2.2L headgaskets do.