I bought a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT exteded cab, 6 cylender. My battery went dead, every sence then my ABS light has been on and the speedometer does not work until I get over 40 m.p.h. Now all of sudden, after driving fine for about 6 months, my speedometer is completely dead, the odometer does not work, and the speedometer does not read anything. The m.p.h. meter will jump when ever i get to about 60 mph, but is pretty dead. The ABS light is still on and now the "Check Engine" light is on also.
any suggestions????

 

Check the speed sensor on the rear axle.

 

Have auto zone read your OBD II codes and list them here.Mike's got the right idea,its probably the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) located on top of your rear end.Its an easy fix.

 

I'll cast my vote with the others, it's sounding like the speed sensor atop the rear differential housing. The rear ABS also takes it's cues from it. If you have cruise control, it's also probably affected.

I too would strongly suggest having the computer scanned at the likes of AdvanceAuto, AutoZone, ect, ect, most will do it at no charge, hoping to sell you a new part.

You could also have a rear antilock brake sensor problem, so it would be wise to have that computer scanned to see what all turns up & post the results as has been suggested.

Call around & price the rear antilock speed sensor, before you have it scanned, so you have an idea what it costs in your area, then go to that place to have the scan done.

If it's the rear ABS speed sensor, it's fairly inexpensive & easy to replace, one holddown bolt & one electrical connector.

Don't know what your mechanical skill level is, but if your a knuckle busting wrench turner like pawpaw, or want to be one, pick up a repair manual while your at the store and have at it.

Between the manual & this site, you'll be able to do most of the wrench turning on your ride. Not all manuals will likely have every detail you'll want or need, so this site fills in nicely, sometimes better IMHO.

 

I am the greatest auto mechanic ever!!!!!!! Now that's funny, I don't care who you are, that's funny. Guys, thank a bunch for your help. I fixed the problem, it was a $25 VSS and I got the old one out and put the new one in a matter of 10 minuets. I would also like to add that being a non-mechanical person, I was pleasantly surprised that I did not find a way to blow up, take the wrong part off, damage the engine, I know that the part was in the rear of the truck, and I found it was a miner miracle. <O</O

Thanks once agene,<O</O

JR<O</O

 

My check engine light is still on. Is this something that will go off on its own or do I need to get it checked out. The ABS light is now off and the speedometer is working. Thanks agene,
JR

 

Remove the battery cable for 15 mins to reset the cpu, if all is well the light will go off. If not drop by autozone and have them check for a code and bring it by, someone will help you with it.
Dave

 

how do you test if speed sensor is bad.

 

I don't know, but if your ABS light goes on and your check engin light goes on andyour speedometer dies on you, It is most likely bad.

Dave257 thanks for the tip on the check engin light. I unhooked the battery cable, and when I reconnected it, the check engin light is off. Thanks...

Golden hands, my Speed sensor only cost me $25 at the ford dealership. It took me 10 min. to fix it with a 10mm socket. It is a very easy fix even for a very non-machinic like myself.

 

Jonny, anytime you unhook the battery cable,start the truck and let it idle for 2 minutes WITHOUT touching the throttle,this will relearn the idle circuit.

 

johnny--I bought ss and checked ohms to old one and it s the same. Makes me think its not ss. Im going to put new one on in am. let you know how I make out. thanks

 

I would think you would have to check the ohms differance with the unit spinning at differant speeds to tell if it is bad.

 

When I had the same problem I went to my friends at FTE and they suggested the VSS which fixed the problem. The guy at the Ford parts counter told me they sold a BUNCH of them.
Dono

 

changed ss still not working

 

Golden hands,start a new thread and list your yead model and engine,along with any what problems you are having. also list any check engine codes you may have.if you hav'nt had them read,auto zone will read them for free.the light does'nt have to be on for you to have pending codes.