New member here so take it easy. I have researched and done my homework on the site as requested by everyone who knows anything so here it goes:
The symptoms started about 3 weeks ago but went away. CEL came on; jumpy spedometer; hesitation; cruise wouldn't work while symptoms occured.
It started again today...CEL is on and D4 light flashed today for the 1st time but is not currently flashing. I jumped the blue connector as and here are the results:
CEL - 1 long and 7 short = VSS; followed by 7 long however...???
(checked 6 or 7 times to make sure sequence is accurate)
D4 - 9 flashes = Code 9 (Counter Shaft or Transmission Speed Pulse Generator Open or Shorted)
The Code 9 is perplexing. Can't find any info and don't have a clue where to start.
Thank you in advance for your help.

 

TCU code 9 is for a problem with the counter-shaft speed sensor.

ECU code 17 is for the speed sensor (different sensor than counter shaft speed sensor)

ECU code 70 is for an automatic transmission problem (which is probably the same as TCU code 9).

Your 97 is obd2, so you can get the code(s) read at an autozone, because OBD2 is more specific. The connector is behind the ash tray. Post the code number on here. It starts with the letter P and has 4 numbers.

I would start with the TCU code 9. The location is shown in the attached pic. Make sure that the sensor is plugged in, has no oil/fluid in there, and that the pins are not corroded. The resistance across the CSSS should be 400-600 ohms. If not, then replace that sensor.

 

Auto Zone will do it for you for FREE...

 

Thank you both...will post as soon as I get the info from Auto Zone. I don't see an attachment however...am I missing something?

 

Let me try to attach the pic again.

 

Hey guys...took a while to get to Autozone but here are the codes and definitions from the print out they game me:
P0501: Range/Performance problem in CVT Speed Sensor
P0720: Output Shaft Speed Sensor circuit fault

I am assuming these are different sensors...the guy at Autozone was telling me to replace the VSS but neither code says anything about the VSS. He also said the Output Shaft Speed Sensor is the same as the VSS...please advise.

Again, I thank you in advance for all your help.

 

The code is the important piece of information. The description can be vague.

The P0501 is the vehicle speed sensor (VSS).

I think that you can try some tests on the VSS 3-pin electrical connector. With the key in the II position, the yel wire should have 12V. The blk wire should have continuity to ground (~zero resistance). The orange wire is the one that I am not sure about. I think it will have 5V, but I am not sure.

The P0720 is the counter shaft speed sensor. Check the resistance like I posted previously for this code.

 

Will give it a shot and keep you posted...thanks again for all your time.

 

Ok...where in the heck is the CSSS? Is it under the battery? If so, you would need to diconnect the battery to get to it then how would you be able to test it?

Not sure I am testing the VSS correctly...please excuse my ignorance as I am not that electrically inclined. I testing the connector and got everything you listed...12v yel, continuity blk and the orange was 3.9. I couldn't get any readings off the senor itself. I am quite sure that I was making a good connection with the testing rod.

As always, I thank you in advance for your time.