Focus VSS sensor

[sierraman]

Having the usual Focus trait of speedo dropping and judder. Top and bottom is I need to replace to VSS sensor on the gearbox. It's right down at the back of the box, so far I've soaked it in WD40, I'm aware these are a twat to get out given its made of plastic. Anyone done one and if so is there a knack to getting the fucker out? Last thing I want is half the sensor busting off in situ. Or am I best getting my local spanner man to have a crack at it given he's inevitably done dozens of these?

[twosmoke300]

Getting the clip/ roll pin thingy out can be tricky . Also the sensor itself can be seized in solid. Last one I did I clamped small mole grips round it and then used a pry bar under them to pull it up

[sierraman]

It's where it is that fecks me off the most. It's hard to get much of a purchase with the grips on it. Getting the clip out looks a sod as well as you say. I'm guessing all I can do is stack the odds in my favour by giving it a daily soak of penetrating fluid for a week or so... At least the sensor is £12 on eBay - as everything for the Focus is £12. I've never known a car as cheap for parts!

[twosmoke300]

Prob won't make much difference as the o ring will stop the fluid getting in there

[sierraman]

FFS! Would doing it with the car warm help?

[twosmoke300]

Help burn your arm on the exhaust !

[sierraman]

I'd be taking precautions in that respect obviously. In any case a pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt don't make happy bedfellows with car maintenance. My local spanner man extrodinaire charges only £30 an hour so might get him on the case, given its wet and dark upon my return from work.

[The Moog]

Yep I am in same place. Been trying to weigh up options but I need Vss and IACV changing so probably going to get spanner man to do it.

 

Sounds a right ball ache.

[sierraman]

The idle control valve is easy, two 10mm bolts right at the front the engine.

[The Moog]

It's the 1.8 which is under inlet fannymould.

[sierraman]

Mines 1.6 hence easier. What's the 1.8 like on the jungle juice?

[The Moog]

Shit. Very shit.

 

Saab was better and that was 2.3 turbo. In fact it isn't far off my c900 mog. It's saving grace is lpg. Round town is is about 24mpg.

 

Always surprised that modern pez cars aren't better on fuel than they are.

[srad34]

They are a fucker to remove, I destroyed mine taking it out, piece by plastic motherfucking piece....

[sierraman]

I had heard the 1.8 liked a drink. Mine seems quite good actually, does a good 38-40mpg

[The Moog]

Haven't done a run with it yet. Mostly round the houses. Plus being on lpg it is about 10% more juicy.

 

It's still better (theoretical mpg) than I was getting in 405, xantia and Saab. Just not such a nice way of doing it

[Richard]

My 1.8 C5 did 25-28 on gas, which made it roughly equivalent to a diesel car. Mildly disappointing.

[The Moog]

My 1.8 C5 did 25-28 on gas, which made it roughly equivalent to a diesel car. Mildly disappointing.

Sort of backups the thought that gas is best for large engined cars you want cheaper running costs on.

 

Soz for thread high jack