ECU Code 33 related to transmission problems?

[isotopeman]

My transmission (a 4EAT) is not shifting past 3rd gear. What's worse, on hills it won't downshift when it should, even if I floor the pedal for a few seconds. I've tried to manually downshift to 2nd, or even 1st if slow enough, but it doesn't respond. The cruise control still works though.
I checked for an ECU code and found only 33 - Abnormal voltage input entered from vehicle speed sensor.
Are those two problems related?

[Legacy777]

Yes, the two are more then likely related. Does your speedo work?

[isotopeman]

Thanks 777.
No, the speedo has not worked as long as I've owned the car.
I used a Specialized speedo (the bicycle kind) with a magnet and reed switch on the front left axle to tell how fast I'm going and have an odometer (as well as max and avg speeds ). There are six magnets and a reed switch on the front right axle to generate a signal in place of the VSS 2 in the speedo. The gear in the transmission that turns the speedo cable doesn't turn. I'll likely try 5 magnets on the right axle as I have no idea how many there should be.
Why it would stop going into 4th as well as ignore what gear I put it in at the shifter is what's bothering me.

[Legacy777]

The TCU & ECU will react very weird if it doesn't get a speedo signal. The radiator fans will come on, the trans will not engage torque converter lockup...

I can't explain why it does this, but I can tell you it just does, as I've experienced it. You need to get that speedo signal working.

[ericem]

Yes, definitly, there is a speed sensor in the dash, and its there for a reason.

[DangerWagon]

My 4eat does the same thing, not shifting to 3rd, and my speedo works fine. it is not really a big deal as i am planning on a 5mt swap. I bought the whole car for 650 and it is in nice enough shape otherwise that if I fixed the tranny I could sell it and make a fair deal of money and then I would buy a ss with a stick already in. Would that be worth it or should I just swap, I already have most the parts I need for the swap from my 97 OBS with blown engine.