Your car's speed sensor does not just show you how fast you are going; it provides other useful functions. For example, the sensor helps in regulating the ignition timing and volume of fuel entering the carburetor. Therefore, a malfunctioning speed sensor can create a host of problems for your car. This means you should be on the lookout for signs of a faulty speed sensor, which include:

Malfunctioning Speedometer

This is one of the most common symptoms of a malfunctioning speed sensor. The speed sensor detects the car's engine speed and sends it to the speedometer. If the sensor is malfunctioning, then it may induce erratic movements of the speedometer. In some cases, the speedometer may not even work at all.

Cruise Control Failure

Using the cruise control makes highway driving less tiresome because it allows you to take your foot off the accelerator pedal. However, it only works if the engine sensor can sense your car's speed and feed it to the onboard computer. Thus, if the sensor fails, then the cruise control system may also malfunction.

The cruise control may either fail to maintain a constant speed or even work at all. There are other causes of cruise control malfunction (such as faulty brake pedal switch or a damaged cruise control module), so a professional diagnosis is necessary to know for sure.

Transmission Problems

A failed speed sensor may also create transmission issues. As hinted in the introduction, the sensor detects the engine's speed and sends the information to the onboard computer. The computer then controls the transmission to maintain the selected speed.

If the sensor is sending the wrong information to the computer, then the transmission will not be smooth; jerking and jarring will be the order of the day. Of course, this can also lead to transmission damage.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency and Stalling

It is possible for a malfunctioning speed sensor to affects your car's fuel consumption. This is because the wrong signals will be getting to the transmission system, making it erratic, and erratic transmission obviously consumes more fuel. In some cases, the engine may even stall if the onboard computer gets "confused" and doesn't "know" what to do.

When it comes to speed sensor issues, don't jump to any conclusions because other car problems may generate some of these symptoms too. For example, decreased a bad oxygen sensor may cause fuel efficiency. These symptoms mean that your car is due for a professional diagnosis, probably via a computer diagnostic system. For more information, visit Byrd Automotive Repair LLC.

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