Trying to remove VSS sensor from manual transmission in a 92 Cavalier.

[wtd]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove this sensor? It's supposedly just pressed in from the pictures of the replacement and held down with a metal retainer. I have removed the retainer but cannot remove the sensor for anything. Part of the problem is the limited access to it.

I have tried using pliers and vice grips to pull up on it as well as trying to turn it to break it loose with no luck. The top part of the sensor where the connector plugs in is metal, but I have already broken off one of the retaining tabs for the connector. I have also tried using a long screwdriver to pry sideways on it with no luck. I think the fit inside the hole is too tight for that.

Here is a picture of it next to the dipstick.

 

[Lawnman23]

Found a pic of the VSS on RA, looks like there is a rubber o-ring around it for sealing it in the case.

If you remove the dipstick, is there enough room to hit the sensor with a propane torch to heat it up a bit and then try yanking it?

 

[wtd]

Found a pic of the VSS on RA, looks like there is a rubber o-ring around it for sealing it in the case.

If you remove the dipstick, is there enough room to hit the sensor with a propane torch to heat it up a bit and then try yanking it?

Yes, that is how it's supposedly sealed inside the case. I thought about the torch idea but I don't think I can get one down in there and see what I'm supposed to heat. There is very limited space. I do have some micro torches but I don't know if they get hot enough to do anything. I will try one and see. Thanks for the response.

 

[wtd]

I tried the micro torch with no results. I barely got it to fit down in there and be able to see what I was doing. I have a larger torch that fits on those small propane bottles but there is no way to get it down in there.

I can't get both hands on my pliers to get the most pulling power and there are a lot of hoses and lines over the top of that sensor so I'm limited there. I'm using a pair of about 80-degree bend pliers. They have good gripping power and don't come off the sensor when I'm pulling on it.

 

[clinebarger]

Drill a small hole between the 2 electrical pins, Use a wood screw & a small slide hammer to jack the sensor out.

If someone applied RTV or Shellac to the sensor this might be the only way to remove it.

 

[wtd]

Drill a small hole between the 2 electrical pins, Use a wood screw & a small slide hammer to jack the sensor out.

If someone applied RTV or Shellac to the sensor this might be the only way to remove it.

Thanks for this idea. I was out of town on vacation and did not see this until today but before I left on vacation, I ordered this tool that was in my Amazon wish list and it ended up working to get it out. I do need to get a small slide hammer setup like you describe for seals and other situations. The sensor I took out looked to be original with no RTV on it and I replaced it with an AC-Delco part. The speedometer and shift light now work as they should so it appears it is fixed.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBJYAII?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[Kurtatron]

Thanks for this idea. I was out of town on vacation and did not see this until today but before I left on vacation, I ordered this tool that was in my Amazon wish list and it ended up working to get it out. I do need to get a small slide hammer setup like you describe for seals and other situations. The sensor I took out looked to be original with no RTV on it and I replaced it with an AC-Delco part. The speedometer and shift light now work as they should so it appears it is fixed.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBJYAII?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Neat tool.

 

[wtd]

Neat tool.

Yes it is. I don't think I would have gotten the sensor out without some type of slide hammer tool. Luckily the top of the sensor was made out of aluminum, so it held up to the vice grips.