My 2003 Ranger 2.3 4 cylinder started doing something odd today. I've asked three people what it might be, and all three of them were stumped (one actually used to be a Ford mechanic many moons ago).

I noticed that when I was at a full stop my speedometer needle started dancing all over. This morning it would jump up to the 15-20 mph mark, but this afternoon it was jumping up to the 20-30 mph mark. Once I start driving, it seems that the speedo is registering the speed correctly. The needle only dances when I'm at a perfect dead stop. I also noticed some interference in the radio that I've not heard before when this was happening. I had to stop on the way home for about 30-45 minutes at my mother-in-law's house, and when I got back in the truck the speedo was no longer acting up and the interference in the radio was gone.

Not sure what exactly this could be. Should I be too concerned about it as long as it's registering my speed correctly while driving? Would appreciate any suggestions, because everyone I ask has no clue.

It's an autobot. Thats all I could think would be causing the issue.

Sent from my iPhone using FRF App

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2001 Ranger XLT | 3.0L | 2WD | Thrush Welded Muffler | Alpine Sub | HIDs

I wish.

If it stopped, and if it doesn't do it again, pretend it never happened.

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

It happened again this morning. Pretty sure it's a short somewhere, just don't know where. Whenever it happens I have interference in my radio, when the interference is gone it doesn't happen.

is the ABS light on as well (while is is acting up)?

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

It's not a short. Probably a loose ground in the cab.

__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

No, the ABS light isn't on.

Glad a thread was already started on this as it's happening to me now. Anyone diagnose and resolve this?

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Doug
2003 2.3L DOHC XLT 2WD Automatic Single Cab Step Side

Nope. Speedometer works fine while I'm rolling, so I haven't looked into it anymore.

Shorts pop fuses and start fires.



Pull your alternator and have it bench tested at the parts store.

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99 x-cab 4x4 4.0l auto
mods, cranked t-bars, silencer delete, k&n drop in, Trans Go stage 3 shift kit,3200stall Fuddle Racing Torque Converter,
VANIR 63mm TB, Roush split rear exit exhuast, E-Fan, JBA headers
Auto up/down both windows, OHC, EATC

03 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Is this the only issue that you're having with it? I had the speedometer on my mustang do that and it was a module, but there were other things going on as well. $100 and 6 screws--less than 5 minutes.

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89 4x4 Ranger ext cab, new rebuilt 2.9L 1998, leer cap, 6' bed, original tranny (auto), power windows/drs/seats, cruise control, 16 mpg LOL---sweet restoration project

Define issues? lol
I am just now remembering and discovering issues I have had with it. The truck has been woken up after a two year nap and engine replacement. The tranny has trouble making gears sometimes, the stereo on an aux channel in which i'm sending music from my phone to a bluetooth receiver is getting some kinda noise from a ground loop or something. It get's louder with higher RPM's. I'm currently installing cruise when i'm not even pre-wired for it but haven't really dove into changing anything yet. Thats all i got for now. It has just recently started doing it and I can't find an event to coincide for troubleshooting. I think it might have done this before on the old motor two years ago but not 100% sure.

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Doug
2003 2.3L DOHC XLT 2WD Automatic Single Cab Step Side