Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Odometer quit working - check engine light came on at same moment

HOBBES

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

While driving down the highway, the speedometer started to bounce around from 60 - 0 and back again.
After a bit it stayed at 0 and has not moved again.
Noticed that the odometer and trip odometer also stopped turning and the check engine light popped on at the same time that all of these stopped working.

The car still runs the same, so figuring the Check Engine light is related to the above only.

How does one fix an issue like this? Old car, guessing this is a big job as it involves likely removing the dashboard?

Thanks!
Lisa

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.