I'm looking for some help sorting out an apparent VSS circuit issue on a friend's 94 TA. First, here's what I know...

-During the trans replacement (A4) the wires to the VSS sustained a healthy tug when the old trans fell off the floor jack before the mounting clips could be pulled from the case.

-Trans (new Performabuilt) is going into limp mode.

-Speedo/Odo are not working at all, but were functioning before the PCM was flashed for a gear change and EGR/AIR removal. ABS inop is now on after the flash as well.

Given the circumstances, I strongly believe there's an issue with either the VSS or the wiring between it and the PCM. I initially thought the ABS inop might be the result of a missing/misaligned reluctor ring in the rear end, but he has assured me it's in there and correct. All other symptoms point to an issue with the VSS circuit.

Can someone give me a rundown on a test procedure for this? I searched the web and checked in at Shoebox's site, but I'm not having any luck. I have a meter; I just need some guidance in running the correct tests. Thanks in advance.

 

You could start by checking wire continuity end to end.

 

Thanks Shoebox. As usual, I forget the basics and immediately start overthinking things.
Update:

-Continuity check on the VSS wires showed them to be fine.
-Hooked it up to Freescan and found a code 81- shift solenoid B fault. Cleared it and it returned the minute the trans was put in gear.
-Trans has no 1st gear; it starts in 2nd.
-Still no speedometer functionality, but vehicle speed is registering in Freescan.
-Running the car (in gear) on jackstands, the ABS inop light didn't come on, so that may be a separate issue with one of the wheel sensors.

My next question is what options we have for checking the solenoid without dropping the pan.

 

You could probably take an ohm reading of the solenoid and compare it to one of the others.

 

If Freescan sees the VSS signal, the problem is not the VSS sensor or the wiring from the VSS to the PCM. The problem is between the PCM and the speedometer. Check Shoebox's PCM wiring diagram for the pinout.