For 1990-2009 cars
Engine Controls Components
TCS Retard Signal, VSS Output and VSS Signal
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

### Circuit Description

Various components apply a voltage to the Vehicle Speed Output circuit. The PCM creates the Vehicle Speed Output signal by rapidly grounding this circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The driver operates at the same rate as the VSS signal input. The various components recognize the voltage being pulled to ground as an indication of vehicle speed.

The driver supplies the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which the PCM monitors. When the PCM commands a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low (near 0 volts). When the PCM commands the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high (near battery voltage). If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status changes causing the DTC to set.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | The engine speed is greater than 600 RPM.

• | The ignition voltage is between 6.0 volts and 16.0 volts.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

• | The PCM detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match.

• | The condition must be present for a minimum of 10 seconds.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | The powertrain control module (PCM) stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.

• | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.

• | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Failure Records.

### Conditions for Clearing the DTC

• | A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

• | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.

• | Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

### Diagnostic Aids

Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can aid in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid determining how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.

For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms .

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. Further circuit diagnosis may require I/P removal. The circuit from the PCM to the speedometer must be tested for being open, shorted to ground or, voltage. If you do not find any trouble, follow the appropriate I/P diagnostic procedure.

2. The repair is not complete if the scan tool indicates that the diagnostic ran and failed.

#### DTC P0608 - Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Output Circuit

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
2 | Important: If the I/P is completely inoperative, refer to Instrument Cluster System Check in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console for further diagnosis.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Raise the drive wheels.
3. Start the engine.
4. Disable the ASR/TCS systems (if so equipped).
5. Allow the engine to idle in gear.

Does the vehicles speedometer indicate vehicle speed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the PCM connector C1 located on the opposite side of the manufacturer's logo. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .
3. Turn ON the ignition.
4. Measure the voltage from the vehicle speed circuit using the DMM J 39200 .

Does the DMM display above the specified value?

9.6V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4 |

1. Remove the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
2. Test the continuity of the vehicle speed circuit using the DMM J 39200 . Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Does the DMM display continuity?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5 |

1. Inspect for poor connections at the IPC. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
2. If you find a poor connection, repair as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Instrument Cluster System Check in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

6 | Repair the open vehicle speed output circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 9 | --
7 |

1. Inspect for poor connections at the PCM. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
2. If you find a poor connection, repair as necessary. Refer to Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8 | Important:: Program the replacement PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Replace the PCM. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 9 | --
9 |

1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC option using the scan tool.
2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
3. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
4. Operate vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test passed?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10 | Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK