1997 Dodge Ram speed sensor

88,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
JB480
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My problem is that my speed gauge does not work. I know that the speed sensor is not hooked up because there is no place for it to go. The transmission is not the original and I don't believe it is even the correct one. I would like to know if there is a way to accurately make the speedo work without replacing the transmission since the tranny works fine. I have taken it to a dodge dealer to identify the transmission and the guy said it was from a 97 Dakota. I should have an NV4500 by new venture and the transmission I have seems to have absolutely no speed sensor/cable hole. If it does, then I'm retarded because I have looked all over it and did not see one. I just need to make the speedometer work in order to register the truck without replacing the transmission. Any ideas would be great.
Aug 27, 2010 at 2:40 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,542 POSTS
was this tranny taken from a 4WD or RWD dakota? the 4WD dakota has the speed sensor attached to the transfer case while the 2WD dakota has it attached to the left rear of the transmission. it's very possible that your dakota tranny does not have a speed sensor connection..
Aug 27, 2010 at 2:44 PM
Avatar
JB480
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I don't know anything about the Dakota the transmission was taken from. I do know that there is nothing on the left rear of the transmission so it would have to be off a 4wd Dakota. Is there a way to make something or buy some type of converter, or am I just screwed? When I plug in the speed sensor and spin it, the gauge works fine so I am wondering if I can just make my own sensor mount and put it somewhere else.
Aug 27, 2010 at 2:55 PM
Avatar
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,542 POSTS
i'm sure theres a way, just need some small gears to turn the speed sensor at the same rate the engine is turning.
Aug 27, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle