Intermittent speedometer failure, need help.
1998 Ranger sport 4x4
Manual transmission
Electronic controlled transfer case
My speedometer functions most of the time, but on occasion the needle will just go dead for a mile or so. I cannot find the sensor responsible for the speedometer. Auto parts stores have speed sensors in stock, but I don't know where it goes (apparently nobody else does either). I am at a loss.
Some have told me that the ABS sensor in the center of the rear differential provides information to the speedometer. To test that, I unplugged the ABS sensor. The ABS light came on, but the speedometer still functioned.
Some have said that there is a sensor on the output of the transmission or the transfer case. There is no sensor in either location. I disconnected the wire harness (the only wires leading) to the transfer case, and the speedometer still functioned.
I disconnected the back-up light sensor near the shift lever just out of curiosity. As expected, the back up lights stopped functioning and the speedometer still worked.
I can find nothing else to try in the vicinity of the transmission, differential or transfer case. I have called the a$$4@!3s at my local Ford dealership, and some (more friendly) out of town dealerships, and have not gotten an answer that solves the problem. What am I missing?
|