OK...so I was monkeying around checking stuff on my 4rnr, and starting dinking with the Vehicle Speed Sensor (#1) on the driver's side of the transmission (A340H). Went to pull it to check it, and it snapped off at the O ring (weak spot after 260k, I guess).



Now my dilemma: How was I going to get the remaining (long skinny) part out of the tranny? I didn't want to start digging at it with a screwdriver, because I didn't know if it could possibly fall into the trans, further screwing things up.

If anyone can clarify if the VSS has some kind of "stop" that it rests against at the "pointy end" inside the trans, that would be great. So somehow I got a (very rare) flash of insight, and tried this:



Screw in and PULL...worked like a champ.

Sensor replaced, and no more flashing O/D lights, no more code 42 and 61. BTW, I got both codes (2 for the price of 1) with VSS #1 sensor broken. Both resolved with replacement. Here's the P/N from Toyota for reference.



This was a $110 lesson to learn, and I believe you can get the parts cheaper on ebay or at Napa, but I didn't want to wait, and my local dealership had it to me the next day. Haven't driven her yet, got other stuff to do.

The busted VSS #1 did influence shift points starting from 1st gear, all the way to overdrive. I would notice intermittent problems with starting from a standstill (seemed like it was in 2nd) and then NOT shifting into overdrive around 45-50 mph. It did drive for a while with no symptoms after busting it off, but eventually it started giving me grief. No idiot lights now, and I anticipate much smoother function on the way to work tomorrow.