Speedometer not working

Tiny
CSMITH0117
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD RANGER
Computer problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 114000 miles

Recently my speedometer stopped functioning properly. First it would only come up after I passed 30 mph or so, then the other day it stopped working all together. The truck seems to still shift fine, what should I be looking for?
Friday, July 17th, 2009 AT 9:39 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,604 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a vehicle speed sensor that is going out and it needs to be replaced.

You will need to jack the car up first

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Here is a diagram of the sensors location so you can get the problem fixed.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
PATRANGER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
Computer problem
1999 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 98,000 miles

I have a 1999 ford ranger, the other day when I started the truck the abs light came on, the overdrive light is flashing on and off and the speedometer is not working this all happened at the same time. What do you think the problem is?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RANGERDANGER17
  • MEMBER
  • 224 POSTS
Your computer is runnin a code

have the engine put a diagnosis check

sounds like something in the tranny with the overdrive light coming on
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUSTER1354
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
Transmission problem
1999 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 84000 miles

trans won"t shift &speedo not working
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have the throttle position and vehicle speed sensors checked out-
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ICUNVNME
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD RANGER
Transmission problem
2000 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

ok here is my problem my speedometer, trip and odometer are not working and the overdrive light is flashing but it only does it when its cold out. On day's when it's warm it works and the light stops flashing? Just wondering what you think it might be a friend had said it might be the sencor might be the prob?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARHARTT3009
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
This happened to me on a 99' Ranger. Ended up being the speed sensor in the rear end was bad, simply replaced it, and it worked perfectly. I didn't get the lights on the dash, but I didn't have overdrive. Mine was a standard also.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORSHEP
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 2000 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 149,200 MILES
2000 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 149200 miles

hi, my speedometer is not working. After shifting into 4X4 LOW a couple weeks ago, the speedometer stayed at 50 mph. Before even starting the engine, it reads 25 mph. When started, it jumps to 45 mph. I replaced the speed sensor on the rear differential but the problem still exists. What next?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Did you stop, put vehicle in neutral and shift into 4low?

As soon as it wnet into 4 low speedometer jumped to 50?

Or when driving it jumped to 50 and stayed?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORSHEP
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I dont remember. My dad drove it home and I drove his truck home. We got on the highway and he called me and asked my how fast I was going because my speedometer read 50 mph and has been messed up since.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
I really need those details to find out whats wrong. But it could be a possible issue with vehicle speed sensor, I belive you may have one in the transfercase also.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORSHEP
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
After doing research (and help from local auto parts store) I believe that the problem is the 4WABS brake module. All information from the sensors are sent to the brake module.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Good deal, glad you found out what ales the vehicle.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORSHEP
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Does that sound right?
Could it be the 4WABS brake module?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
I really wouldnt put that at top of the list for speedometer reading considering the speedometer doesnt read off of the wheel speed sensors.

Only the vehicle speed sensor. Or cable.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
  • 2001 FORD RANGER
  • 138 MILES
Wipers & speedometer not working
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JORSHEP
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
But in '96 or '98, ford stopped producing vehicle speed sensors (VSS). They are now controlled electronically.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check fuses underhood and under dash
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
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Sorry im alright
wasnt paying attention to the year.

Fords did stop in 97 with their new line of 150's and 250's

the vechicles get their reading from the wheel speed sensors and collects it from the 4wabs module.

If you would like I can explain how to test it.

Bit confusing though.

But if you have a code for 4wabs then id fix the module first.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
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You have a tachometer?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:07 PM (Merged)

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