Vehicle Speed Sensor, MCI

Wiring &
Testing Info

We are now producing our very own Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). This magnetic 3-wire, 4-pluse amplifier will convert ANY Toyota vehicle with a standard 22x1.50 mechanical speedometer drive to an electronic speedometer system. We have designed it to fit a standard Toyota electric VSS plug for direct plug-n-play installation.

The 1st image to the left is our VSS (what is included), below that is a size comparison with a gear drive t/case mechanical sending unit (not included), and below that is our VSS installed.

The applications are unlimited, converting both 4WD and 2WD 22x1.50 mechanical speedometer setups to an electronic 3-wire, 4-pulse speedometer output. It works great for a Tacoma engine conversion into a Hilux or Land Cruiser!

Additionally, it is compatible with both gear and chain drive transfer cases. For 1992-95 V6 applications, when converting to a gear drive t/case setup, the only previous option was to use a 1992-95 factory Toyota 4cyl 5-speed gear drive t/case VSS, which we do offer (click here), but this is a brand new Toyota part that replaces the entire sending unit and is therefore far more expensive. Because our new Marlin Crawler VSS is designed to simply thread onto your original mechanical sending unit, it is a much more economical & practical solution that does not require any modifications to your transfer case.

Please note at this time we do not offer the pig-tail harness for this. Our VSS accepts a standard female Toyota plug which can be found at dismantling yards.

Please click here for wiring, testing, & troubleshooting information.

Marlin Crawler VSS Info

To troubleshoot the operation of the sensor, connect a 12 VDC power source across pins 1 (+VDC) and 2 (GND), and connect a multimeter across pin 3 (SIG) and the power source ground (or pin 2). With your multimeter set to read voltage, you will see two distinct voltage readings as you slowly rotate the shaft of our VSS: 0.07-0.08 VDC and 12 VDC. The lower reading is the nominal voltage (outputs at least this much voltage), and the 12 V reading is the pulsed output signal (which occurs exactly 4 times during one full shaft rotation).

The pulsating output signal (pin 3) will be the same as the input voltage at pin 1 slightly stepped down from internal resistance. If a lower voltage signal is needed, then use a relay, controlled by your vehicle's ignition ON power source, to activate a different power circuit whose voltage has been reduced through a resistor.

Any vehicle input voltage may be supplied and the output will always be the same as the input. The voltage drop due to internal resistance is about 5 millivolts (0.005 VDC) and may be neglected. For example, if you input 5.00 VDC at pin 1, you'll receive 5.00 VDC at pin 3 at four distinct positions per shaft rotation. Connect 8.25 VDC to pin 1, you'll get four 8.25 VDC signals at pin 3. And so on...