Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

Speedometer not working

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 10, 2021 | 01:08 PM
  #1  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
Speedometer not working

I got my 97 5 speed stick 2.3 running fine but the speedo does not work . I changed the fuel filter and saw a lot of fluid and dirt around where I assume the speedo cable hooks up. What do you call this part and how simple or hard is it to replace ?????????
 
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2021 | 01:34 PM
  #2  
Kruse's Avatar
Kruse
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
It would be a speed sensor, not a speedometer cable. Your speed sensor could have failed or perhaps rodents chewed through the wires that go to the transmission, for beginning troubleshooting.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 09:08 AM
  #3  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Hold on, resist tossing parts at the problem based on a hunch. Since this is a 97 & is OBD-2 diagnostics, as suggested a couple of times in the past, use your ELM scan tool & run FORScan diagnostic freeware on your choice of viewing device as discussed here Low Cost ELM Scantool - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com) & have it scan for trouble codes, as this combo can query All of the vehicle computer / controllers for trouble code Clues, then post All code Numbers as they can help focus a trouble shoot.
More thoughts for consideration.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 11:10 AM
  #4  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
Forscan codes this morning after short test drive ,,,,,,,,,,,,, code P0500 - VSS -sensor circuit fault ,,, open or short circuit ,,, worn or damaged drive gear . Code B1352 - ignition key in circuit fault . My money is on damaged drive gear but will test circuit before buying part . Have no idea about Code B1352 ignition key circuit fault . Any ideas on B1352 ??????????????? Will try U-Tube for voltages on VSS they have video on just about anything . LOL
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 11:32 AM
  #5  
Kruse's Avatar
Kruse
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by pawpaw
Hold on, resist tossing parts at the problem based on a hunch.
Obviously directed at my post, so I wish to say that under no way, shape or form do I now or ever recommend "throwing parts" at it. And I rereading my post, I don't think I suggested any such thing. I did use the words "could" and "perhaps". I mainly meant to say that: 1: The '97 Ranger does NOT have a speedometer cable, and 2: Look for the simple things first, like a broken wire that goes to the speed sensor. Then, of course, troubleshooting (before parts replacing) begins. BTW, I have a '97 Ranger and rodents did chew on the sensor wires making my speedometer inoperable.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 11:32 AM
  #6  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Attaboy on running a FORScan code look-see. My 99 New rear differential mounted ABS speed sensor measured 1.91K ohms. The old one was open circuit.

EDIT: As Kruse has posted, your Speed-O is electrically operated by the rear ABS speed sensor, so it, the wiring, electrical connectors pins/sockets & wire crimps also belong on the suspect list.
As Kruse has also stated, critters like to mess with the wiring insulation & broke his. We've had a report of the speed sensor wiring getting mashed, around the bell housing during a tranny removal / install & it caused the wire strands to flex & break under the insulation.
Another member reported the speed sensor wire split wire loom on the rear axle run, came loose, flapped in the wind & caused the wire strands to break under the insulation, about 4" back from the loom end, this caused an intermittent speed-o, as the loose loom containing the faulty wiring waved in the airstream & the broken wire strands made & broke contact.
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 08:56 AM
  #7  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
On the Body code B1352 Ignition key circuit fault, look in your FORScan definitions, for a suspect list.
If your having warning chime problems, did they come about recently after some event??? Do the chimes work ok with the key in, or out, or not at all???
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2021 | 01:24 PM
  #8  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
Ok I think I found the issue with the B1352 code . Door chimes works if key is on and door open but stops when key is turned off and door open. Chimes also work if headlights are left on and door is open, Can wiggle key cylinder and chimes are off and on as wiggled. Will remove cover under steering wheel and have a look see. Thanks pawpaw I hope to be as good with these old trucks as you are one day !!!!!! Did not understand what that code meant till now LOL.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 13, 2021 | 04:25 PM
  #9  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Ok good trouble shooting find & feedback. Members in years past have reported wiring or corrosion problems to the wire connection to the lock cyl case, so have a close look there-abouts. If all checks out with the wire connection, while covers are off so you have better access around the lock cylinder, you might consider spritzing the lock cylinder internally & the key with CRC heavy duty silicone spray & work it in real good with the key & let us know what you find & how it goes.
 
Reply
Old Jul 17, 2021 | 09:09 AM
  #10  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Well spooktn, how is the inoperable speed-o trouble shoot going, 182 curious minds would like to know????
 
Reply
Old Jul 17, 2021 | 09:32 AM
  #11  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
I have not worked on it yet ran into a brake problem,,, think i blew a rear wheel cylinder, More important to stop than know how fast i am going LOL
 
Reply
Old Jul 17, 2021 | 09:39 AM
  #12  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
OK, keep us posted on the speed-o & key code trouble shoots !!!
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2021 | 01:31 PM
  #13  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
After fixing several other issues I finally got back to the speed-o not working. Fuse is good not broken or chewed wires so I got a new sensor and installed it and still no speed-o. I could not find a you tube video for my exact year. But others I saw showed changing the plastic gear from old sensor to new one .I have no such gear !!!!! I would bet money that the gear is missing and the whole trouble. 5 speed stick and I assume it is supposed to have that plastic gear and clip to hold it on. Am I correct and if so is this a junk yard item have not seen it in Autozone web site !! Please point me in the right direction . Oh and a good spray with electronics cleaner fixed the door chimes problem and key fault . Easy fix after removing cover under steering column .
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2021 | 04:26 PM
  #14  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
Here is a pic of a speed sensor with the plastic gear I am talking about. My sensor is on the transmission and the plastic gear is not there . Does it supposed to have one and if so is this a junk yard part. Are they all the same want speedo to so the right speed if this plastic gear is the issue. Can not count teeth on gear I dont have one !!! OOOOPS sorry cant copy picture
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2021 | 05:29 PM
  #15  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
OK found the gear on EBAY but not the clip that holds it. Gear fits manual and auto but comes with several different number of teeth . Help !!!!!!! LOL
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:48 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE