I have a 1995 Ford Ranger, 2.3 liter. The speedometer will intermittently stop working, usually after driving it for a long time.
I just replaced the speed sensor because it was cheap and did not involve taking apart the dash.
Basically fix the easy thing first.

Drove it first to the dump and then to get it inspected. Driving off after getting the truck inspected, I noticed the Speedometer not working.
What is the most likely cause? Instrument cluster or should I trace the wiring?
Also I had replaced it with a Bronco cluster to get a tachometer. Anyone remember the years that a Bronco cluster will work?
Researched it before but that was four years ago.

 

1995 Ranger cluster is unique, can't use 1994 or earlier, or 1996 and later
Same cluster as 1996-2003 just had different wiring at the 3 connectors on the rear, so it can be re-pinned, just takes awhile

Never heard of any Bronco cluster being swap-able to a 1995 Ranger, earlier B2s used earlier Ranger clusters

Speedometer and odometer share the one signal wire from the VSS, but each has its own electric motor
So do both speedo and odo quit working at the same time or just the speedo?

You can see the wiring difference in the two diagrams

 

I went through my eBay history and I bought the replacement in 2020
This is the listing "Ford Ranger Explorer instrument cluster w Tach speedometer gauges 95-97 196k OEM US $85.00"
Because of the age of the listing, most of the details are gone.

I do know that it worked for at least three years in my 1995 ranger. I know that I have in the past used my cell phone to track speed and it appears more or less accurate.

I am unsure if the odometer was not working when the speedometer stopped working.

I know that the 1994 Instrument cluster is just physically different. According to most sources though, it appears as if sellers sell 1995 to 1997 Ford Ranger instrument clusters.

 

1995 Explorer would be the same wiring as 1995 Ranger
1996 and up would not, so you did get lucky, as it had to have been a 1995 cluster

Yes, sellers may not know or just don't care that 1995 was unique

1994 cluster has different wiring and connectors, and needs a speedometer cable, besides being a different size

Picture of the rear of 1994 cluster: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/-qcAA...hm/s-l1600.jpg
Picture of the rear of 1995-2003 cluster: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/HzAAA...og/s-l1600.jpg

1995-2003 clusters use the same 3 connectors(1994 just has 2) and have the same wires, but in 1995 only some of the wires are in different places on the connectors

 

Okay, I hope that this thread is actually noticed but finally have some better informations

Again, 1995 Ranger with 2.3 liter engine. I had previously replaced the sensor in the rear of the transmission. Not sure what the exact model of transmission it is.

Drove the truck Friday for a recycle run and new issues with losing the speedometer. Had to make a second recycle run and drove it today.

While driving, the speedometer would suddenly drop to zero. It would then sometimes come back on again. Happened both with driving fairly slow, 35 to 45 mph, and on the interstate driving 65+. Happened both when taking off from a stop and just simply driving at 65+. This includes both dropping to zero and coming back on again. I could not see any pattern to it.

Noted that the odometer would also stop working when the speedometer stopped working.

I checked transmission fluid and seems fine. Maybe a touch high but nothing obscene. The transmission fluid also did not look burned. I can replace it however if it might do some good. Was a little lighter than it maybe should be, so a bit older.

Anything else I should check. I do have an extra sensor because I bought a second accidently and never returned it.