So as I was driving home the other day the speedometer started jumping. dropping 10 mph then jumping 5. After a few minutes my entire speedometer quit working. I read multiple forums all pointing towards the rear abs sensor. I purchased a replacement at napa for $20 part #530000. after replacing the sensor in the rain (that was great..) my speedometer still doesn't work.

I then went back to Napa believing it was a crappy sensor and got another sensor. hooked it up and still nothing. No Check engine light or ABS light. The only thing I can relate this issue to is the installation of a overhead console and the connection to speed sensor.

Any thoughts?

 

could be the OHC check the splice and make sure it wasn't severed completely if it was a good shrink-wrap butt connector from the parts store should straighten you out. But from your symptoms it sounds exactly like a failing speed sensor which on an explorer is at the back but on the ranger they also use a sensor on the trans to control speed there is in ISS and an OSS if its auto if its manual its just the OSS look on the driver side of the trans and you will find it. On the rangers/bseries starting in 98 i believe they stopped using the diff sensor for speed its strictly for ABS functions.

 

That is the one connection I hadn't checked yet! When I first purchased my pickup the speedometer wasnt working so my dad took up the task and went through the dash (found nothing) then checked the rear diff sensor and sure enough that was the issue, but after two sensors i think my luck ran out. Would grounding the OHC to the stereo ground cause an issue? I'll check tomorrow for the sensor on the trans and that connection. Thanks Pearlkid!

 

If VSS(vehicle speed sensor) was bad, or it's wires, then CEL(check engine light) would come on, and in a 2000 Ranger the ABS light would come on as well since they both(Computer and ABS system) use the same sensor on the rear axle.

The 2000 Ranger would have a GEM(generic electronic module) behind the radio.
The GEM controls lights, wipers, and quite a few other things.....including speedometer.
The VSS signal runs from axle to ABS and Computer, then from computer to GEM, then from GEM to speedometer.
GEM is programmed for axle ratio and tire size to set correct speed to show on speedometer, I think only dealers can program the GEMs

If the newly installed "overhead" has any electrics then they would have to have messed with the GEM wiring.
So it could just be a loose connector

 

Well after calling my dad and asking what he had all gone through and come to find out he disconnected the abs and check engine light when he couldn't find the issue.. so that has been resolved. Ill tear into it tomorrow. Gotta love wiring

 

ok if check engine is disabled try getting the codes if its kicking out VSS then your problem is the sensor or the wire to the GEM.

 

I went through the wiring today and found the splice connector wasnt even breaking the insulation. So I rewired the vss wire with a butt connector makng sure not to pull the wire out of the plug. Started it up and still no speedo.
I think a trip to autozone to find out the codes is my best bet.

 

Took my pickup to AutoZone and checked the codes. P0503 and P0500 came up. which is connected to the vss and abs from my research. Also as I leaving to go to class my speedometer started bouncing at low speeds (20mph) for a short period of time then went back to rest as I accelerated. Sooo could it be as simple as the sensor not correctly sitting in the rear diff? or could it be the GEM it's self.

Also does a 2000 ford ranger have two speed sensors? it has the manual transmission and 4x4. I couldn't find a straight answer after searching online for over an hour..

 

Yes its on the trans where the transfer case bolts up its a plug with two wires its just a fancy magnet so its most likely the sensor is bad.

 

I just went out and looked and it does not have a VSS on the trans. I found an older thread that shows the difference.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1334433736

I took the o ring off the rear speed sensor and sure enough it sat flush on the diff. I took it for a spin and my speedometer started fluttering but it still isn't working like it should. so now I'm heating up the ABS sensor and O-ring so I can finally push it into place.

I also noticed that the connection under the seat had been pushed down due to the one of the clips breaking off (probably when I put in the new seats). I have heard this can cause an issue with the VSS if water gets into the connection?

Ill run outside in a few and "correctly" install the rear sensor and let you know.

 

Learned something new today. Im used to the 2wd trucks sorry for sending you on a wild goose chase glad you got an idea where to look though.

 

O no problem! It was a good learning experience.

Here's an update- I put in the other ABS sensor which did nothing so today I disassemble the plug under the driver seat and sure enough there was about half a cup of water in the plug... so I blew off the water with an air compressor and cleaned the connection the best I could without electronics cleaner. Hooked everything back up and tried to mend the clip that hold the plug in place (which ended with good old duct tape for now.

As soon as I started to leave my speedometer worked fine up to 50 mph then it cuts out again. I pulled the codes and nothing came up..

Soo I guess ill try to clean the plug a little better and possibly mess with the rear sensor since I still dont like how it sits in the diff. It's getting there!

 

Glad its coming together man sounds like it may not have dried out the plug completely if it got better but not completely solved id try to rtv around the hole the wires come through to stop the water coming in.

 

just a random thought.....I had a old plymouth neon a few years ago and the same thing used to happen the speedo would bounce around/not work. When I pushed on the plastic facing of the instrument cluster it would work.....the instrument cluster wasn't making a proper connection to the socket behind it! I tightened everything up and magically it all worked again!

wondering if it is something basic like that?! Worth a shot I guess!!

Good luck

 

Yeah some silicon on the bottom of the plug should do the trick. BREZZA that could possibly be an issue, my cluster has seen alot of abuse. Does anyone know of a write up on how to remove the cluster? Also my 4x4 decided to crap out on me in the middle of a snow storm. My 4x4 hi and low flash 6 times about 2 minutes apart. I've had the issue before and I just messed with the plug going to the switch and magically it started working again. I doubt im going to be that lucky again.

Sounds like the plug to me!

 

yeah id get a new pigtail/switch for the 4x4 and the cluster isn't bad I'm sure there is a post but the basics remove kick panel radio bezel and then all the cluster surround screws are exposed once the trim is off the cluster is held in with 4 screws id have a magnet handy as they are in tight spaces and like to drop easy and get lost but its an easy thing you can have it out in 15 mins.

 

Here is something to puzzle you!

So after a complete cleaning of the connector under the seat and a better fitment of the ABS sensor my speedometer now works up to 60 mph.. and my 4x4 doesn't work in cold weather (under 25 degrees). I ready to just take out the connector completely and rewire it. Maybe make a little plate and silicon it completely in place so the wires don't rub.

 

Sounds like a plan it may not help your 4x4 issue but I'm starting to think cluster now if it only works to 60 maybe a bad resistor on the cluster? just a thought not sure on the 4x4 issue though.

 

Do you know of any electronic repair manuels online for a ranger? That would be a huge help! Ill have to look up the 4x4 flashing.