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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Defective speedo

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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 09:35 PM
  #1  
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Defective speedo

1992 F-150 4x4
My instrument panel is electronic and only works periodically, when it doesn't sometimes my tranny doesn't shift correctly. I was told that my speed sensor is bad. The problem is I can't get the right one because it is on my rearend and the Ford dealer parts guy says no that is my abs sensor well it must be the speed sensor because I don't have one on my transfer case. The BIG problem is no one can get me the part if all the parts list say it is on the transfer case. I am at least the 4th owner and don't know anything about it other than I had to replace my engine a year ago. I even took them the part at Napa auto parts as well as Schucks auto parts and they all say go to dealer and he just scratches his head.

Kallie
 
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 06:55 AM
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That sensor does both. It is used as a vehicle speed sensor(vss) and an ABS, or RABS in the case of the F150s. What you're looking for sits at the top of the rear differential.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 07:04 AM
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The speed sensor is on the differential. It's wired to the RABS system, which in turn buffers the signal and passes it to the PSOM module which is mounted on the back of your speedometer. The PSOM in turn moves the speedo needle, clicks up the odometer, and also does the "divide by" function which allows you to run larger, or smaller tires with a correct speedo/odo reading. Then, it buffers the signal again and feeds it to the EEC (EFI computer) which also manages shifting your transmission.

If it is the speed sensor, it's raybestos part number #ABS530000 and should be about $30 or thereabouts.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 07:21 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by alz
That sensor does both. It is used as a vehicle speed sensor(vss) and an ABS, or RABS in the case of the F150s. What you're looking for sits at the top of the rear differential.
Yes but I noticed that in the 1992 Diagrams it is call a Differential Speed Sensor (DSS) and in the 1992 Ford Shop Manual the same part is called a RABS Sensor. It sets on top the big round thing in the rear end.

Kallie
Just buy the abs sensor from the Ford dealer parts guy.

Also this problem you are having could also be a bad PSOM or wiring (plugs).
 
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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 12:22 AM
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Thanks to all of you I will go to the dealer tommorrow. I will post how it goes.

Kallie
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 04:18 PM
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I finally was able to find one and replaced the speed/abs sensor as the dealer called it and it works fine now.
Thanks again for all your help,
Kallie
 
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 03:00 AM
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I was wrong it doesn't work anymore. I don't know why it just stopped. Any ideas? What is the PSOM and do you mean tranny wiring?
Kallie
 

Last edited by Kallie; Dec 9, 2006 at 03:01 AM. Reason: forgot to add something
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 03:10 AM
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I forgot to say I already replaced my computer $220
Kallie
 
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 06:01 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by Kallie
What is the PSOM and do you mean tranny wiring?
Kallie
I take it you did not read the post from "frederic" above on the PSOM.

The PSOM (Programmable Speedometer/Odometer Module) is a small computer that is mounted inside of your cluster and drives the speedometer and odometer. It gets speedometer information from the VSS on the rear end carrier from an excitor ring next to the ring gear in the rear differential. Because the ring gear (and the excitor ring) turns at basically the same speed as the tire regardless of the rear end ratio, the speedometer only needs to be recalibrated to account for changes in tire size.
As far as I know all PSOMs are the same on all Ford Trucks from 1992 to 1996 and a 1992 will fit in a 1996 cluster and work OK.

The PSOM was only used in Ford Trucks, Broncos and Vans from 1992 to 1996.
The PSOM also keeps track of your mileage and tire size.
A PSOM can be reprogrammed six times for tire size changes.

Ford will not sell you a PSOM but will install one for about $450.00.

Here is a photo of a PSOM:
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g91/subford/DSC02313.jpg
 

Last edited by subford; Dec 9, 2006 at 06:29 AM.
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 06:22 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by Kallie
I forgot to say I already replaced my computer $220
Kallie
Why would you want to do that?
The problem you were describing has nothing to do with the computer.
I hope you kept the old one.

You may also have a wiring problem from the rear carrier to the PSOM or a power problem from the fuses to the PSOM as the PSOM usually does not work off and on.

Also check the flat ribbon cable from the PSOM to the odometer, as sometimes the transmission range pointer will cut into this cable.
 

Last edited by subford; Dec 9, 2006 at 06:35 AM.
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