Vehicle Info:
1999 Ranger XLT, 3.0L V6, 5-speed, 2WD, RABS, Towing Package

Problem Description:
Speedometer/odometers quit working, ABS warning light

Repair Attempts:
With all indications being that the VSS was bad, I replaced the sensor (mounted in the differential). This eliminated the ABS warning light and it appeared as if the odometers were working, but the speedometer was all over the place and I could feel the brake pedal pulsing almost constantly (sometimes when stopped at a red light) along with a clicking noise coming from under the dash that somewhat coincided with the pulsing. Thinking I got a bad sensor, I swapped it for another (different manufacturer), and before installing, I cleared all the error codes. Things are better, but now the speedometer only works at 20MPH and above. When going under 20MPH, the speedometer stays at or drops to 0, and the clicking under the dash can still be heard under braking, though the pulsing is far less severe than with the first replacement sensor.

Suggestions:
One friend suggested that perhaps the ABS Relay is bad, but wouldn't the ABS warning light come on if that was the case? Another friend said there may be too many metal bits floating around in the differential fluid causing the magnet part of the sensor to become "confused" (I thought this might have been the case when the first replacement sensor had the speedometer all over the place), but then wouldn't the odometers be erratic as well? Besides, I could see a few small bits on the original sensor and on the first replacement sensor, but my mechanic said a few small bits is normal. Then I thought I might have the wrong sensor altogether since I have the Towing Package and it might require a specific sensor, but in my parts search, I haven't seen any references to that. I've also considered the possibility that the second replacement sensor is also malfunctioning, though I think that's a bit unlikely.

Has anyone encountered this same problem and, if so, what needs to be done to fix it?

 

Change the diff lube.

 

I'm having the exact same problem. Replaced the sensor which did help a bit but I'm still getting the eratic speedometer as well as the braking click from under the dash. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I'm not sure what changing the diff oil would accomplish? Or am I missing something? Please explain.

 

If there is a lot of metal in the fluid it will cause the sensor to read erratically.

It is also possible the speedo is bad. I have an Ultra Gauge and it reads the speed from the computer. Not sure if you want to spend 70 on toy, but it does read OBDII codes.