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Well, reading about others makes me think I'm headed for the tranny shop but figured I'd give this a try...
'98 F-250 V10 4WD just started (last week or so) shifting real hard from 1st to 2nd. At the same time, noticed that the speedo doesn't appear to work in 1st gear but kicks in once I get into second/third and get up to around 35 or 40. All other upshifts are ok. When coming back down to first (rolling stop), it seems to slip when I get going - not sure if it's dropped to first and I'm still going too fast for it to "catch" or not.
Had the tranny flushed today - fluid was "darkish". Was hoping the flush (and maybe a couple of days driving) might help (not so far).....
You've got to find your speed sensor. On the newer 250's & 350's it located in the rear end at the top of the center section. I'm not sure where it is on yours. On my 91 Bronco, it was in the same fitting that the speedo cable attached to at the transmission end. The symptoms you give are indicitive of a speed sensor that has gone bad. If you do a scan on the computer system, I'm sure that there will be a code stored there, even if the check engine light is not activated.
Check the speed sensor on the rear diff. It is located on the top of the pumpkin. Carfull not to break the clip when you pull off the connector though.
Thanks! As I read about the speed sensor, I see there is an ABS sensor near there as well(?). The ABS light started coming on about the same time (though it was sporadic at first). Guess I should have mentioned that too but I didn't think they'd be related. I'll replace it (< $20) and report back.
Last edited by jon42long; Nov 29, 2007 at 07:35 AM.
Yep...mine did the same....speedo dead until about 37mph.....ABS light on.....Turned out to be the sensor on the rear diff. about 3 minutes to fix. Gotta love those easy fixes.
ok... I went to the local parts dealer and got a speed sensor - truck was at home so I didn't have it to look at. When I got home tonight and crawled underneath, the part I have isn't what's on the pumpkin. So.... should I be replacing out the sensor on the diff housing or should I be looking for the part I got (which looks like: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/pr...sor+Motorcraft
and has a connection for what looks like a speedo cable)?
Thanks to all - it turned out to be the ABS speed sensor (or VSS as some called it) on top of the rear diff. $25 at the local parts store (NAPA wanted $35). Took about 10 minutes an a 3/8" socket. I'll be returning the other speed sensor I got yesterday as the original is working just fine.
Thanks again!
Last edited by jon42long; Nov 30, 2007 at 02:36 PM.