Digital Speedometer
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From: Shreveport
Digital Speedometer
Hello All,
I hope all is well with everyone. Well I might as well get to the point as ole tom petty would sing. LOL. Well I have a 1991 Ford AEROSTAR Eddie Bauer Version.4.0 I just replaced the tranny because reverse was the only gear I could get. Before I replaced it the Speedometer didn't work. After replacing the tranny,the speedometer still does not work. It is digital. The only thing that works is my fuel,rpm,water temp guage, and the other normal do dads. Now the only thing that does not work is my Speedometer. I just replaced my computer,Truth be known, I did not have to replace it. Could anyone help me out. How do I get my speedometer working? Is there codes I need to set on my computer? The transmission guy who rerbuilt my tranny said there are codes the tranny needs to be set at and the electrtonic piece in the tail ends of the tranny is in working order so it had to be in the computer. Thats why I replaced the computer,but still no speedometer. I am on disability so I cannot afford a mechanic,the tranny alone set me back seems like forever. Any one have any idea what I can do to fix the Speedometer problem. I would greatly appreeciate any insight that anyone could offer me.
Thank you for your time
I hope all is well with everyone. Well I might as well get to the point as ole tom petty would sing. LOL. Well I have a 1991 Ford AEROSTAR Eddie Bauer Version.4.0 I just replaced the tranny because reverse was the only gear I could get. Before I replaced it the Speedometer didn't work. After replacing the tranny,the speedometer still does not work. It is digital. The only thing that works is my fuel,rpm,water temp guage, and the other normal do dads. Now the only thing that does not work is my Speedometer. I just replaced my computer,Truth be known, I did not have to replace it. Could anyone help me out. How do I get my speedometer working? Is there codes I need to set on my computer? The transmission guy who rerbuilt my tranny said there are codes the tranny needs to be set at and the electrtonic piece in the tail ends of the tranny is in working order so it had to be in the computer. Thats why I replaced the computer,but still no speedometer. I am on disability so I cannot afford a mechanic,the tranny alone set me back seems like forever. Any one have any idea what I can do to fix the Speedometer problem. I would greatly appreeciate any insight that anyone could offer me.
Thank you for your time
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
I once had trouble with my digital dash in the form of really bad connections. It would give off alarms for various problems, and the displays would go on and off randomly. I took apart the dash and found two modules that were attached to the circuit board and their pins made contact by pressure. I cleaned off the pins with some electrical contact cleaner/lube/protectant from Radio Shack, and everything worked fine afterward. This is something cheap and simple that you can try.
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From: Shreveport
Hi there, Thanks for the reply. It is definately worth the try. Seems like I have tried everything else. If that don't work, I am going to the parts store and buy me a code scanner to check my computer codes. I think that since people charge 40-60 bucks to check the computer out,It will be worth the moneys to buy a code scanner in the long run. Anyways, I appreciate your help and hopefully I will be able soon to solve this mystery of the aerostar. I wonder if Scooby Doo and the Gang could solve this mystery,LOL. Thanks again, Joe
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From: SOGGY TUNDRA
as the speedo turns
There is a small sensor on the axle that checks speeds. if your van has abs and a electrical connection near the front of the axle and above the driveshaft input then you have it. and it goes bad, simple 30$ fix, and it will make the speedo go.
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From: Shreveport
Hey thanks for the thought. I will check that in the morning for sure. I went and bought me a computer scanner ,its a cheap one ,it only cost me $29.95 plus tax at the parts store. That scanner is a booger to learn. I think after I learn all the Mumbo Jumbo, it will be worth the cost. I took my my dash apart and cleaned all the terminals with the stuff you get at radio shack,I thought that might do the trick but I guess all I did was give it a good bath. I will keep ya'll posted on the outcome of the mystery of the Aerostar ordeal. Thanks again and have a nice weekend. Joe
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From: SOGGY TUNDRA
This sensor is called a speed sensor, you should be able to go to a parts store or call a ford place and ask them if your vehicle has a speed sensor on the rear axle. ALL part stores carry them. Yours being a 1991 would definately have one, and would be the cause of your speedo problems. Just throw a new one on it, and away you go, just be sure to not drop it. It is held in place by one screw. Mine has gone bad twice, speedometer stops working as does the odometer. Simple fix. I have a 1993. I am getting ready to rebuild the a4ld tranny in mine at 190,000 miles, maybe. It finally went bye bye. It blew tranny fluid out of the vent hole and lost alot of gears, according to my wife. I will investigate if it is just a modulator or what when the weather breaks. Maybe a simple fix, but still at 190,000 miles for a tranny,, wow... I use synthetics in everything. I flushed and refilled the tranny with synthetic tranny fluid at 25,000 miles. I replaced one torque converter and that is it, since new. Mobil 1 in crankcase gets changed every 6500 miles, and transmission fluid and filter every 25,000 miles.
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From: Shreveport
The tach Guage,The gas Guage,Oil Guage,Temperature Guage and the Odometer and Speedometer is digital. Everything works except the Odometer and Speedometer. I also have a computer trip log on the ceiling by my rear view mirror,it does not work.I replaced the a4ld tranny because it went out on me it and I still can't get my speedometer and odometer to work. I replaced the computer, the speed sensor in the tail end of the transmission. The only thing I have not replaced is the digital analog where the speedomer and odometer reading is. I am at a loss and I and really stumped at this matter. Could ya please enlight me on the subject and tell me what I am doing wrong and how I can fix this troubling problem? I would greatly appreciate any help you can throw my way. Thank you for your time. Joe
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
I don't have digital speedometer, but looking through my Chilton's manual on another problem I noticed that there are two speed sensors. One is on the driver's side of the transmission and is used for the cruise control, the other is on the rear differential and is used in the ABS system. I can find no other reference to a speed sensor, so one of these must be used with the speedometer.
If I follow Aerostar Alive's post correctly, he is referring to the speed sensor attached to the rear differential housing as the one used for the speedometer. I'll check the schematics in my Chilton's to see if I can locate the circuitry for the speedometer, but I've found these schematics to be seriously lacking. Will post info if I locate anything definate.
Ron
If I follow Aerostar Alive's post correctly, he is referring to the speed sensor attached to the rear differential housing as the one used for the speedometer. I'll check the schematics in my Chilton's to see if I can locate the circuitry for the speedometer, but I've found these schematics to be seriously lacking. Will post info if I locate anything definate.
Ron
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
Checked schematics and sure enough my Chilton's manual does not include any info on the instrument cluster at all. Very frustrating buying a manual that says it's complete then finding how incomplete it really is.
Still, I went to Google and did a Google Group search for "Aerostar Digital Speedometer" and found several posts that indicated that the ABS sensor is indeed the one used for the speedometer. If you replaced the speed sensor on the transmission, it was the wrong one. Try replacing the speed sensor on the rear differential.
Ron
Still, I went to Google and did a Google Group search for "Aerostar Digital Speedometer" and found several posts that indicated that the ABS sensor is indeed the one used for the speedometer. If you replaced the speed sensor on the transmission, it was the wrong one. Try replacing the speed sensor on the rear differential.
Ron
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From: Shreveport
Hi Ron,
Thanks for taking the time to check your book & Google out for me,I guess Google is the only one I haven't checked out. I have copernic business that I got off of Imesh, its a search engine for anything you want. You can get the copernic basic for free off of the copernic website, I wanted the business version but didn't want to pay what they wanted so Imesh saved the day. Anyways, I will replace the speed sensor on the rear differential. It has to be that or the lcd part where the analog would be. This digital stuff is for the birds,its all snazzy and fine when they are working but the cost is really rough when they are not. I think the next time I buy a vehicle, I will look for a regular speedometer,lol. Well Ron, Again I appreciate your help and I will let you know the outcome of the situation. Have a nice week.
Joe
Thanks for taking the time to check your book & Google out for me,I guess Google is the only one I haven't checked out. I have copernic business that I got off of Imesh, its a search engine for anything you want. You can get the copernic basic for free off of the copernic website, I wanted the business version but didn't want to pay what they wanted so Imesh saved the day. Anyways, I will replace the speed sensor on the rear differential. It has to be that or the lcd part where the analog would be. This digital stuff is for the birds,its all snazzy and fine when they are working but the cost is really rough when they are not. I think the next time I buy a vehicle, I will look for a regular speedometer,lol. Well Ron, Again I appreciate your help and I will let you know the outcome of the situation. Have a nice week.
Joe
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From: Shreveport
Update On Digital Speedometer Problem.
Well I am at loss for words. I replaced the speed sensor on the rear differential and the speed sensor on the tranny and it did not fix the problem. I guess the only thing I can do is replace the digital lcd part where it lights up on the dash. Does anyone have anymore Ideas on this mystery problem on my aerostar? I am open for suggestions. Thanks everyone for trying to help me out. Joe
Well I am at loss for words. I replaced the speed sensor on the rear differential and the speed sensor on the tranny and it did not fix the problem. I guess the only thing I can do is replace the digital lcd part where it lights up on the dash. Does anyone have anymore Ideas on this mystery problem on my aerostar? I am open for suggestions. Thanks everyone for trying to help me out. Joe
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Well, my speedometer wasn't working so I checked my bulbs in the back and it was burnt out. I replaced it and it was fixed. Maybe try that. Check all your other bulbs too.....you may find a new feature you didn't have before.
-Matt
-Matt
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
Joe,
This is a problem.
I'll search Google Groups again and see if I may have missed something.
I read matt's (Beast12) post and don't know what relationship the bulbs in the back would have to the speedometer, but it's worth a look. Sometimes the wiring on these things can follow strange paths.
Also, I seem to remember something about the ABS sensors at the wheels, but I'm not sure if this was for an Aerostar or another car with digital speedometer.
I'll get beck to you.
Ron
This is a problem.
I'll search Google Groups again and see if I may have missed something.
I read matt's (Beast12) post and don't know what relationship the bulbs in the back would have to the speedometer, but it's worth a look. Sometimes the wiring on these things can follow strange paths.
Also, I seem to remember something about the ABS sensors at the wheels, but I'm not sure if this was for an Aerostar or another car with digital speedometer.
I'll get beck to you.
Ron
Last edited by rlmdad; Nov 25, 2003 at 12:43 AM.
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
xlt4wd90,
I didn't either until I started searching for information for Joe. Funny what you can learn just by searching the web.
Joe,
I researched with Google Groups again and the reference to speed sensors at the wheels was for another car. The only other thing I can think would be the speedometer unit in the instrument panel or the connector to it.
Just dawned on me what Matt(Beast12) was referring to. How stupid can I be, of course he's referring to the bulbs in the dash that are the speedometer. Did you check the bulb/bulbs? I don't know what kind of lights the speedometer uses, but this could definately be the problem. Everything else could be working OK, but if the lights that indicate the speed are out, you can have a reading, but won't be able to see it.
Try removing the instrument panel and checking the bulbs.
Ron
I didn't either until I started searching for information for Joe. Funny what you can learn just by searching the web.
Joe,
I researched with Google Groups again and the reference to speed sensors at the wheels was for another car. The only other thing I can think would be the speedometer unit in the instrument panel or the connector to it.
Just dawned on me what Matt(Beast12) was referring to. How stupid can I be, of course he's referring to the bulbs in the dash that are the speedometer. Did you check the bulb/bulbs? I don't know what kind of lights the speedometer uses, but this could definately be the problem. Everything else could be working OK, but if the lights that indicate the speed are out, you can have a reading, but won't be able to see it.
Try removing the instrument panel and checking the bulbs.
Ron