Can the car still be driven with a VSS malfunction?
4 Answers
Can the car still be driven with a VSS malfunction? Here is some information about VSS malfunction: 1. VSS stands for Vehicle Speed Sensor. A VSS malfunction means that the speed information cannot be transmitted to the instrument panel via the CAN bus, resulting in missing or invalid speed information. In other words, the speedometer may no longer display the vehicle's speed. 2. The speed information is transmitted to the instrument panel via the CAN bus and is displayed on the speedometer in m.p.h (miles per hour) or km/h (kilometers per hour). If this information is missing or invalid, the speedometer will automatically reset to zero. If the tires have been changed to non-original sizes, the programming of the engine control module (PCM) needs to be updated, which can also be done using a diagnostic tool.
As an experienced driver who has driven many cars, I think you can still drive a short distance with a VSS fault, but I don't recommend long-distance driving. VSS is the vehicle speed sensor, which controls the dashboard display and automatic gear shifting. Once it fails, the speedometer may stop working, gears may shift randomly, and even the ABS may malfunction. Once when I was driving a friend's car on the highway, the VSS failed and I felt something wrong when braking. Fortunately, I reacted quickly and avoided an accident. If you're driving slowly on city roads, you might barely make it home or to a repair shop, but don't go on highways or mountain roads, as it's easy to lose control. It's best to stop and check if the warning light is on, use your phone to find nearby repair shops, and get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent a small problem from becoming a big trouble. Safety always comes first, don't risk continuing to drive just to save time.
From an auto repair perspective, I can tell you that a VSS failure allows driving but requires high vigilance. This component monitors vehicle speed and sends signals to the ABS and transmission. When faulty, it may cause gear shifting failure or emergency brake malfunction. Short-term low-speed driving might be acceptable, such as moving from garage to repair shop, but long-distance driving carries significant risks. Check dashboard warning lights or gear sticking symptoms, and use an OBD tool for code reading and diagnosis as soon as possible. Delaying repairs may damage other systems, such as transmission overheating and wear, and unstable gear shifting could even trigger engine issues. Safety comes first—driving briefly might be okay, but don't take it lightly. Early repairs mean early peace of mind.
From a safety perspective, it's best not to drive with a VSS malfunction. This sensor controls speed information, and its failure can affect the ABS and cruise control systems, increasing braking distance and making rear-end collisions more likely. Driving with inaccurate speed readings is dangerous, especially on highways where delayed reactions can be critical. I always emphasize addressing potential hazards when driving—even for short trips, I pull over to check tire pressure and lights first. If you must drive to a repair shop in an emergency, do so at low speed and avoid highways. Safety is no trivial matter; it's better to call a tow truck than take risks to prevent chain reactions that could cause accidents.
