Speedometer needle jumping all over

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May 27, 2009 | 04:22 PM

Sparkplugless

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Tuned

Joined: Sep 2008

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From: Verona NY

Speedometer needle jumping all over

I think I recall seeimg this symptom in the past, but I don't remember what it may be an indication of. I didn't get the SES light, and it seems to be running ok. I have been having electical problems the past couple of weeks; like the ICP (I'm still waiting for that to arrive), and I had the overdrive off light on the gear slector flashing (I still don't know what caused that, it went away after a day).

Does anyone have a clue? I don't want to go to the dealership service garage. Chase told me in my last post what the dealership means when they use the word obsolete

Quote:

Originally Posted by superduty4x4

Front of the driver's side head, right behind the alt. 3 wire plug connected to it.
Yes, I think "obsolete" means "let me bend you over" in some foreign language.

I hate to think what word they might use next time.

Thank you for your support

May 27, 2009 | 04:25 PM

ron's power stroke

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: White Mnt's,New Hampshire

a new VSS on the rear end may fix both the speedo and OD light..

May 27, 2009 | 04:32 PM

Sparkplugless

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Tuned

Joined: Sep 2008

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From: Verona NY

Great Thanks. Just one little question, what's a VSS? Wait let me guess. Vehicle Speed Sensor? That's on the differential? Thanks Ron

May 27, 2009 | 04:34 PM

ron's power stroke

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From: White Mnt's,New Hampshire

yes and yes\

you may get lucky and a good cleaning may fix the old one..

May 27, 2009 | 04:45 PM

Ponyboychris

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Kiowa CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron's power stroke

yes and yes\

you may get lucky and a good cleaning may fix the old one..

If cleaning doesn't work, they are only about $20 at a ford parts counter. A couple of other members have picked up VSS's at Napa for a little bit cheaper.

May 27, 2009 | 05:06 PM

Sparkplugless

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Tuned

Joined: Sep 2008

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From: Verona NY

Is this a common problem then? and when you say cleaning, do you mean the connector, or remove it and clean the part that is inside, or both? Thanks I really hate those foreign words the dealer uses :-).

May 27, 2009 | 05:27 PM

superduty4x4

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Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Newport, WA

It could be the VSS... or the wiring going to the VSS... or it could be in the speedo cluster. Try pulling the VSS out and wipe it off and reinstall and see if that helps. If not, move onto the wiring (if it's all tied up tight and tidy this is likely not the problem). If that doesn't get it... time to tear the dash apart.