Mileage gauge and odometer stop working

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com. You own one of my favorite vehicle and have I have had several. Now, your problem can be coming from three different places. It could be any of the following:

1) Speedometer gear in transmission.
2) Speedometer cable (two separate cables which join in the middle).
3) The speedometer itself.

The most common problem with these vehicles is the cable. If you live in an area where rust can be an issue, it is common for rust to damage the connector where the two cables join which leaves the cable partially disconnected. Thus, a ticking noise inside because the cable is not fully turning.

Here is what I suggest: Take a look at the flow chart I have attached. It is designed to narrow down the potential problems until you locate the problem. If you find you have additional questions, please feel free to ask. I am here to help.

I hope you find this helpful.

Take care,
Joe

It could be a few things. I would remove the cable and check to make sure it turns when the vehicle moves. They are great vehicles, but there are a lot of miles on it. So, I would suggest the cable first to make sure it is working properly. I have actually seen them where they simply needed a little WD40 sprayed into the cable sleeve.

Let me know what you find. I interested in knowing.

Take care and good luck.

Joe

Speedometer (except Dakota) is electric stepper motor-type and is controlled by vehicle speed sensor. Dakota models are equipped with a cable-driven speedometer.
So replacing the speed sensor would not have fixed it anyhow.
With that done said, since the speedometer appears to still be working it appears that the odometer itself is bad but it is worth taking a look at. If there is a gear tooth or whatever at the speedometer gauge that may be broken or a gear etc in between the speedometer/odometer that may have a broken off tooth and thus why the clicking noise and the odometer mileage not working. If the entire assembly does not come apart, which in fact I do not know if it does or not, then you would need to replace the entire speedometer/odometer assembly in the cluster.

You are welcome.

Hi again. Yes the cable attaches to the transmission. It runs to the tail housing on the driver's side of the vehicle. I have attached pictures of the cables (one with plastic end goes to back of speedometer) and a picture of a 42re transmission, which is in your vehicle and complements of the internet. I could not find a picture of the entire transmission in manuals. The tail housing is the part of the transmission which the driveshaft goes to.

As far as a manual, Chiltons, Haynes are all good. Most parts stores have them on stock.

Hope this helps.

Joe

I am glad to help. Let me know if you run into problems.