Alright guys this question has probley been answered, just having trouble finding it.. I have a '96 F-350 w/460 gas engine. The problem I am having is the ABS light is on all the time, the speedo doesn't work, the E4OD Tranny isn't working right (slipping), OD light is flashing on and off. Now while this is 99% of the time, the 1% that the ABS light is off and everything is working right, then I have no problems. I replaced the speed sensor in rear diff.. Don't know what else to do gas is eating me alive, so it doesn't leave much money for fixing it. I love the truck, but it's turning out to be a pain in the rumpus.. Tnxs to all in advance...

 

More than likely the speed sensor on the rear axle died. You can take it out and clean it sometimes, other times you need to replace it.

All the things not working you mentioned have in common the speed sensor on the axle, so I'd start there.

 

Been there, done that. But appreciate the suggestion very much...

 

you have a trans electrical problem that can be ANYWHERE
yea I know its not nice to yell but you must understand
that everything must be tested before replacing
start with pulling the codes from the comp.
then test any part it says is bad
the other best thing to do is goto www.fordfuelinjection.com and read and learn
something as simple as a ground can be the culprit here

 

it seem everyone is missing the point


you have a speedo issue and you need to trouble shoot that and get it working before any of that other stuff is going to work. you have replaced the sensor so check all of the connections and wires to the speedo control unit, and check the unit itself. get a Haynes and start tracking wires

 

You may have already done this, but check your fuses. Had nearly the same thing happen on my 93 150. Turned out to be a blown fuse to the instrument cluster which essentially caused the system to lose the VSS signal. Replaced fuse, problem gone.

Worth a look, you might get lucky.


Just reread your post, missed tha fact that 1% of the time it works. Does sound like it is losing the VSS signal though. Causes the speedo to not work, the trans to shift funny and confuses the ABS. Having replaced the sensor, finding the problem may be a bit harder. Best bet is to get a factory wiring diagram. Check connectors for corrosion and check circuits for continuity. Fault could be in the cluster, seems like the signal goes to the cluster before it gets anywhere else.

 

you could pull the fuses and check for corrosion. i pull mine periodically to clean the contacts. it's possible you got a bad new vss. i've bought starters and alternators new/rebuilt that i had to take back cause they didn't work right. i'd check the wiring harness where it connects to the sensor for good connections, then trace the wires along the frame looking for bad spots. then pull the diff cover and inspect and clean the contact ring.

 

Gonna check all the wiring and connections to VSS sensor and will give you all a update. Tried to get Advance Auto or Auto Zone to pull the code but the wiring harness is a '95 and nobody has the harness to connect to it, so now I am to the point I may need to pay $40 to have the codes pulled by Ford.... I trust them mechanics as far as I can throw them around here, which is not at all... Tnxs for the suggestions guys will let you all know as soon as I get a chance to check that all out.

 

if you have a haynes manual it tells you how to pull the codes without a scanner. i think you can buy an obd 1 scanner for under $100 now. i think i've seen them in the 'zone for around $50 or $60. but i'm saving up to buy one that will do the obd 1 and 2 since my truck is one and the car is the other.

 

the fluid in the rear may be the problem or the ring that give the vss its info could need cleaning.

take off the rear plate and clean the ring and replace the fluid.

 

Skip the obdI scanner--go to fordfuelinjection.com. All you need to do is follow the instructions there and count the flashes of your Check Engine light.

Jason