Hello,

I have a 1998 ford ranger 4/2 with the 2.5. Check engine light is on, as well as the abs light. The speedometer and trip meter no longer work. I pulled the code and it said it was the vehicle speed sensor. After research I thought that the rear sensor on the transfer case was it. I replaced the sensor on the top of the transfer case and that did nothing. No big deal truck still ran fine, so ignored it and used GPS for a speedometer. Well now I have to renew my license plate sticker, but where I live you have to pass an emissions test first. It is an auto fail if the check engine light is on and it reads a code. Now I can renew my sticker until I pass. So I look some more and some places say there is a front sensor on the right side of the transmission half way down from the bell to the drive shaft. Well I can find it! Local Autozone says there are two, all the sites I pull up for parts shows two, but I can’t find it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

The vehicle speed sensor on a 98 is located on top of the rear differential pumpkin. You replaced the ABS speed sensor....

Source: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/51...ed-sensor.html

Edit: Last post on the third page of that link shows a good picture of the location...

And apparently it commonly breaks off inside the dif during removal requiring you to remove the dif cover to get the pieces out. Be very careful...

 

that is the one that i replaced. However there is apperently one on the transmission that i can not find, or thats what i am told.

 

Hmm, I found this:" The speed sensor should be located on the right side of the transmission, about midway between the bell housing and the tail. "

Not very clear I know...

I'd still focus on the sensor in the differential (not transfercase, transfercases are only in 4x4s fyi). Check the wiring for any wear. If you have a short or a pinched wire the computer will not get a correct reading and will register a fault.

 

i had the same problem with my 98.. i replaced the rear sensor just like u and nothing happened.. so i traced the wires leading to it and they were broke apart at one little spot.. so i tapped them back together and it fixed it.. just get under there and check it out..

 

For 98~2000, the sensor that affects the speedometer/odometer is the ABS sensor on the top of the rear diff. Other years took the VSS from the transmission or transfer case.