1997 Ford Ranger speedometer & shifitng problem

HUBCAP

MEMBER
1997 FORD RANGER

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Ford Ranger Two Wheel Drive Automatic 103000 miles

The previous owner gave up on this problem after spending lots of money. When the speedometer works, the truck shifts fine. When it doesn't work, the transmission doesn't shift Sounds like a simple problem but its not. I took it to Ford and they gave up. The PCM and speed sensor have been replaced plus most all sensors. The Transmission is OK per the expert, he said its electrical in the truck. I assume that all options such as connectors and circuit boards have been checked. Any Ideas?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi hubcap,

Thank you for the donation.

Just a long shot, was the meter gear at trans housing checked for abnormal wear?

1. How often does the speedometer fail?
2. When does it fail? While driving or immediately upon starting?
3. Is there any Diagnostic Error Code recorded?

I would suggest going over the basics again as sometimes a replaced item might be faulty as well and I would suspect the Vehicle Speed Sensor to be the culprit.

Wire harness fault usually are solved, at least temporarily when the connectors are disconnected and reconnected.

The best way and time to test is to attach a diagnostic data reader when the speedometer fails.