speedometer gone crazy

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 22, 2003 | 08:23 PM

Wishbone

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 96

Likes: 1

From: Almond USA

speedometer gone crazy

My wife's rig is 96 windstar. The speedometer has started to jump around at speed. The mech. odometer still is acurate but the speed is usually 15 to 20 mph high and unsteady. Anyone have any tips or seen this before?
Thanks

Jan 23, 2003 | 10:22 PM

fastf150

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 150

Likes: 0

speedometer gone crazy

If you are absolutely sure the odometer is accurate...then the problem is in your speedometer itself. As both the speed and the odo are driven off of the same input. Which is either a speedo cable or a DSS (driveshaft speed sensor).

Jan 24, 2003 | 07:16 AM

DoubleA

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 188

Likes: 0

From: Latrobe USA

speedometer gone crazy

if there is metal in the rear end it can throw off the speedo too

Jan 24, 2003 | 07:35 AM

steve83

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,987

Likes: 7

From: Memphis, TN

speedometer gone crazy

I'd agree that it's a fault inside the speedo head. There's no cable in new vehicles - they use an electronic sensor in the driveline.

Jan 24, 2003 | 10:22 AM

jim henderson

Postmaster

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 4,968

Likes: 3

From: So Cal

speedometer gone crazy

Yeah, I have seen exactly this symptom in my 94 F250. The problem usually gets worse, and your cruise control will probably stop working if the needle jumps enough. Eventually it will also set the ABS light.

The speed sensor in the rear end was the problem in my case.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson