code po720

says its an oss, tss same sensor .mechanic doing work says it is on top of tranny, were as in furum locates it behind dr wheel on tranny at 11o"clock position . vehicle is 99 winstar 3.8 .oss=output shaft sensor. tss transmittion shaft sensor, is he just trying for more money , has to drop subframe. aqny advise is welcomed thanks in advance

Code def. P0720 - Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
Part No. 7H103 - Sensor Assembly - Output Shaft Speed (OSS) Sensor

Standing in front of vehicle, if you follow the tranny filler tube as it goes to the back of the tranny, the OSS sensor should be to the left of the tube and before of the point where the filler tube enters into the tranny. Sensor sits right on top of tranny case. Hope that helps!

Some one might have better info, just sit tight and wait for responses.

Ed, the location you described for the tss/oss, that is not to be confused with that of the trs- transmission range sensor, two totally different sensors?

Yes I know but it's kinda hard to describe in the blind... The TRS - Transmission Range Sensor is actually visible from the in "front of vehicle" standing point. I don't think it needs a lot of explaining to be able to find it!

The OSS on the other hand, actually sits behind the engine where it cannot be seen form plain sight. One would have to go under vehicle or remove the cowl to have access to it. It sits on top of the cone shaped part of the tranny that leads to the right side CV Joint Axle.

I only asked for clarification as some might mistake the TRS for the oss/tss due to both being "on top" and the confusing initials. Your second description of the oss/tss location is great.

thanks guys , Ill be doing soon if wheather gets warmer. My next question is , is this the same sensor that goes near the axl where it enters the tranny, At the 11 oclock position behind the front left tire? The reason I ask is becauce a post stating codes says code po720 is same sensor .

TSS is Turbine Speed Sensor, which is the one on the end of the transmission.....behind the driver's side front wheel......this IS the sensor that the P0720 code is for.
I just re-checked AlldataDIY to make sure.
On some FORD transmissions, this sensor is called "OSS"....but not on the windstar.
I am going to edit my OBDII post to try to make it more clear.....as I got confused by re-reading it just now.
On a '96, the list price for the TSS is $29.51, with a standard repair time of 1.1 hours.


VSS is Vehicle Speed Sensor, which is the one that is on the back.....mid-point of the transaxle.......hard to get to...... tight quarters to work in, but otherwise would be easy to change.
The "official" instructions have you remove the "Y" (includes the catalytic converters) pipe to gain access to the VSS.
List price for the VSS on a '96 is $41.29 with a standard repair time of 1.6 hours.
I think it would take me much longer to get the "Y" pipe on and off........but I am not a mechanic.

Part nu. I bought is 7h103 oss from dealer, I would like to know I guess is this the same sensor discribed as oss ,on top of trans and tss on drivers side are these the one in the same, Can I install said part into either local? Or are they two complete differant parts .

OSS/TSS are the same part.....different names for different vehicles.

The TRS is the big box that is on top of the transmission....that the gear select cable goes to.

VSS is on the back.....middle of the transaxle......again....a much different part.

I do not know the correct part numbers for your year.
Alldata lists the numbers for my '96......so I would not count on them being correct for a 2000....which is why I did not list them.....and I have found that FORD sometimes has changed the numbers since then anyhow.

The easy thing.......the 3 different parts that I list do NOT look alike, or even similar......so you are not in danger of installing this in the wrong place.

I have read this thread with interest because I have a similar issue - code P0720:Output Speed Sensor circuit fault. What is confusing, however, is that you state that the OSS and TSS are the same thing w/different names. I have been told by someone at Haynes.com that they are different sensors in different locations - but the same code? To make things more confusing, a trans. supply sells a Turbine Shaft Sensor, and an online Ford store sells an Output Shaft Sensor. Seems like a lot of terminology for the same thing!

The sensor on the left lower output right near the left tire is at 1 oclock pos. the ohms valve is 130ish around 50 60 degrees between the two pins on the sensor, connector unplugged. Ohms will change with temp but not much on that sensor. Calulates shifting points and slippage of gear ratios, and compairs the two..

The vehicle speed sensor OSS and or TSS on some, has about a one foot wire with the sensor. Some have just wires, and some are a geared cabled for the speedo and a pickup wire for the pcm.

External '99 Windstar tranny sensors: Click on to view in detail....
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http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4616/pict0082ee9.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict0082ee9.jpg)
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The smaller one is near the LH drive shaft ... fairly easy to get too ... one screw ... turbine speed sensor?
The larger one, with the pigtail conductor, also held in place with one screw ... on top of the tranny ... VSS/OSS/??? ... a knucklebuster to remove/install. I replaced mine after loosening the RH (rear) exhaust manifold and Y pipe.

External '99 Windstar tranny sensors: Click on to view in detail....
.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4616/pict0082ee9.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict0082ee9.jpg)
.
The smaller one is near the LH drive shaft ... fairly easy to get too ... one screw ... turbine speed sensor?
The larger one, with the pigtail conductor, also held in place with one screw ... on top of the tranny ... VSS/OSS/??? ... a knucklebuster to remove/install. I replaced mine after loosening the RH (rear) exhaust manifold and Y pipe.

Turbine is the VSS.. I looked on fords Puters. The LH lower one isnt labled, The parts guy pointed to it and said This one.. HAHA..

He said also, Some Years they are called Turbine and Some are called OSS.. Both are the VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor and both have the wire..
That little sensor isnt a OSS or TSS or VSS

Granted that Ford's parts/service documentation is loaded with errors ... but many Ford parts folks raise confusion to "a whole new level".

OK, so the OSS, TSS and VSS are the same and it's on top of the tranny on the right side, right? Then that would be the one that the Haynes manual refers to as the VSS - and they say you have to drop the Y pipe and remove a heat shield to get to it. Does this sound right? The next question then is, if VSS and OSS are the same, Why are there different OBDII codes for each? P0720 is OSS, P0500 is VSS. I guess someone at Ford had a better idea.

OK, so the OSS, TSS and VSS are the same and it's on top of the tranny on the right side, right? Then that would be the one that the Haynes manual refers to as the VSS - and they say you have to drop the Y pipe and remove a heat shield to get to it. Does this sound right? The next question then is, if VSS and OSS are the same, Why are there different OBDII codes for each? P0720 is OSS, P0500 is VSS. I guess someone at Ford had a better idea.

OBD2 has all the codes for All the Sensors no matter what make or model..

But The VSS or TSS or OSS is on top of the trans, behide the intake mana, Deep down in, almost in the middle of the van. It can be removed without the exhaust taken off tho. I think someone else has just done that here on this board.. The plug leads to the Drivers side near the TRS Trans Range Sensor or Netural saftey switch.. Right behide TRS Almost on a Metal clip.. Not all but most from what I remember..

The most common sensor to fail is the VSS.. Because of the Heat.. I know the shield has to come off, but dont think the exhaust does..

Bepending on the year and trans in the auto, the VSS TSS OSS names change.. They do the same thing tho..

Thanks, Tartersauce.

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