2003 Toyota Matrix transmission speed sensor Replacement

Toyota Matrix 2003 automatic transmission speed...

iFixit Library 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix Easy 10 minutes Guide 63947

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Guide overview

Before you begin

Toyota Matrix 2003 automatic transmission speed sensor might be known as also: transaxle speed sensor, vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Thank you, vibeusa on Toyota Nation Forum, for sharing speed sensor location with diagram (2014-02-20 : Transmission VSS location?).

Step 1

location of sensor

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Transaxle is behind and below engine. You will have a hard time seeing it if your height is less than 170 cm. If you are two metres tall or taller, then it will be easy to see.
Some guides instruct to remove air filter, though I find that needless and not beneficial.

Step 2

unplug sensor

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Disconnect sensor now, or disconnect it later. You might find it easier to unplug sensor after removing it from transaxle, when it is less far away from you, then easier to reach.
Press on ridged tab to release clip/latch. Grip connector, not wires, and pull it off of sensor.

Step 3

remove sensor

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Transaxle speed sensor is fastened down with one screw, 12mm hexagon head. Use a socket on a long shaft to reach. Just sixteen inches is long enough, also one half yard or half metre works.
Observe the dimple in original screws which hold sensor together: these are JIS size 1 cruciform drive. This observation is only meant to be interesting or informative, not relevant to guide.