Hello

I have a 99 Ford Ranger XLT V6 Automatic. Today I encountered a weird problem. My ABS light came on for one, and my speedometer doesnt work until I get to 25 MPH. Also, when the Automatic Transmission goes from first gear to second gear, there is a jerk in the process of changing gears. This also goes for when I am going greater than 25 and slow down I also get the jerk when it changes gears. The speedometer doesnt work until I get to 25 and then all gears work fine. Once I go from like 35 down to 25 MPH the speedometer drops to 0. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

 

Hello All,

I have a 99 Ford Ranger Automatic Transmission 2WD V6. Today I encountered a weird problem. My ABS light came on for one. Number two, when I am going less than 25 MPH my speedometer doesnt work. Once I get up enough speed my transmission will jerk into second gear and then the speedometer works. This also goes the same for when I am going greater than 25 MPH the speedometer works fine, but once I slow down, the speedometer will drop to 0 once I get to 25 MPH, and the transmission will jerk back into first gear. Automatic transmission arent my favorite, but I gotta have a ride. Someone please help me. Is this a tranny sensor, A throttle cable issue. Someone please give me some insight..

Thanks

JEB

 

Sounds like a VSS going bad.(vehicle speed sensor)its located on the top of your rear end.Have auto zone pull the OBD codes for any pending codes and see what they get.

 

I just talked to a Ford Dealership and they said the ABS Sensor located on the top of the rear end. I dont know maybe that is the speed sensor. But the ABS Sensor came on today and that appears to be when the problem happened. The Ford Dealership said that ABS sensor will cause it to do what it is doing. SO...... I dunno what to do. I just hope it doesnt mess anything up until I get a new one.

 

Can a Vehicle Speed Sensor VSS cause the ABS light to come on? Ford Ranger 99 XLT V6 2wd?

 

My ABS light came on today. 99 Ford Ranger XLT V6 2wd. It seems that it is affecting my transmission. Is there any way it could be my vehicle speed sensor? Someone please help. My speedometer doesnt work until I get to 25 MPH

 

Sounds like the VSS to acting up. It is located on top of the rear axle. One bolt hold down and a couple of wires going to it. It also provides input to the cruise control. Does your cruise control work?

 

I am not sure if it does or not. I have not tried it since that has happened. I will try it and see. I will let you know in a few minutes... Thanks

 

The cruise control DOES work. It is weird. Anywhere in the range of 25 MPH or lets say less than 25 MPH the speedometer DOES NOT work. I am goind to the dealership tomorrow. But I was just trying to see if someone has ever heard of this. I mean what would make the ABS light stay on and make my tranny act up?
ABS Sensor??? or VSS???

 

You need a new vehicle speed sensor, located on top of the rear, one bolt and one electrical connector.

 

definitely sounds like vss.... bad PWM data cause by faulty sensor, especially at the lower end of the scale.... but is your spedo cable or electric??

 

Cheap sensor..under $20. Easy to change. Just disconnect electric at the differential. It just screws out, and screw new one in. It feeds computer, speedometer, and cruise. It picks up the ABS tone wring in the diff..sends info to ABS module.
It'a usually at the top of the pumpkin, and don't forget to spray electrical parts cleaner on the plug in.

 

Not sure I looked under the truck tonight all I saw was a plug that plugs into the top of the rear end. I could not get a close look at it for it was tight situations. I believe I might be able to change it. It just scares me because when I go from first to second gear (automatic) It jerks. But it definately feels like it is coming from the rear end. Visualy I saw electric wires and a plug. My tach is a needle and does not appear to be electric. How do I know if it is electric or cable?

 

Your speedo is electronic and the signal is generated by the ABS speed sensor (a/k/a VSS or vehicle speed sensor). The VSS also is repsonsible for telling the computer the proper speed at which your tranny should shift. That's why people are recommending that you change that sensor. As mentioned, it is located on the top of the rear differential and secured with one bolt. It is a fairly cheap part, and the average Joe should be able to change it out.

If you continue to experience the same problems after you change that sensor, then the next thing you want to look for is chafed or corroded wiring underneath the drivers seat carpet.

 

Thanks for the info. I will get on it first thing tomorrow.