GM Truck Club Forum banner

Need diagnosis help with DRAC/Speed Sensor issue

31K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  mannys67  
#1 ·
Hey fellas, first post on this forum is going to be about the Vehicle Speed Sensor and DRAC Module system.

1992 Chevy S10 4x4, 4.3L TBI "Z"

Symptoms: Sporadic speedometer, cruise control not working, ABS system issues, odometer not advancing correctly

Solutions tried: Replaced Vehicle Speed Sensor and replaced DRAC Module with a used module.

Both solutions got same result: Didn't fix the problem!
-------------------
Here are my testing results:

Tranny in gear (OD) with rear wheels raised and moving at idle speed- scan tool reads 0mph.

As per shop manual testing chart-
DMM on 20vdc between pins 8 & 11 on VSS buffer (DRAC) module- .07vdc, no change with speed.

Pin 8 (ground) to pin 12 (VSS input- out B)- .05vdc
Pin 8 (ground) to pin 7 (VSS input- out A)- 0vdc

Old VSS- 1277 ohms, New VSS- 1217 ohms

Tested continuity on CKT 822 and 821, both good with .004 ohms resistance between them.

With this testing and the flowchart, it leads to a bad DRAC module.
---------------

I know that the module sends signals to the ABS, cruise control and ECM, so it made sense that the module is bad.... but.... I just thought of something. I'll have to check it out when I get home, but if the ECM gives the module any kind of reference signal, then maybe that is the problem. I have an extra ECM as well. So, I guess I have another avenue to go down before tearing apart the transfer case and checking the inside for damage.

Your thoughts??
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Sporadically, but it's also affecting the speed reading on the ECM. I use WinALDL to read the ECM and the speed on there jumps around just as much as the speedo. Everything that the DRAC has an output to is affected.

- - - Updated - - -

Other symptoms:
When I let go of the gas pedal and just cruise, the speedo needle goes to zero.
If I drive for about 15 minutes at a good speed, as soon as I let go of the gas and cruise down an exit ramp, the SES light comes on, then off.
Code stored- 24 (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
Something strange (maybe a wiring issue)- When taking sharp left turns only, the speedo travels back to normal.
The speedo dances a little at stop lights, at idle.

I suppose a better check of physical wiring issues is in order.

Wags
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks, I'll start looking at wiring today. Do you of any junctions in the wiring, or is it a straight shot? Does the VSS wiring go through the wiring block on the firewall? Also, would this issue affect transmission shifting? Does it send signal to the TCC? I've been dealing with transmission issues for months now. I'm wondering if this is related.

And I'll keep the posting where it's supposed to be. Thanks!
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
I do not have the electronic shift transmission. It's a 4L60/THM700/MD8. But, one problem at a time. I need to get this DRAC issue fixed up, then move on to the transmission problem and the engine idle dipping/shutting off problem.

- - - Updated - - -

Well, you were right. Found this on the transfer case VSS extension wiring:



Taped them up and now it all works. Only took a couple months and $120 in parts.....
Anyway, it works again and I sure know how that system works now. Time to move on to transmission and engine issues.

This one is solved. Lesson learned: check all wiring first!

Thanks.
 

Attachments