I have a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L RWD AUTO.

I've never had this problem but now I can hear what appears to be a electrical noise or grind/whine. This just started happening on Monday. Prior to that I've never heard nor seen my speedometer bounce like this.

I've read that it's the rear diff ABS sensor possibly going bad. So I should have a new one tomorrow via amazon. I have also read that it's possibly the battery? I know the previous owner said he replaced the battery but this was at LEAST 2 years ago. So I know there is a solid 24 months on the battery now, since I've owned the truck...

I've also read that it might be the speedo? These actually go bad? Makes me wonder because of the noise you can hear towards the end like a whine noise. I have noticed that the battery gauge looks a little lower than before... normally it would be at around the MIDDLE of the battery icon and as you can see in the pic it's not now... however, the truck starts up perfectly fine, no hesitation at all or trouble, or having to do it multiple times.. so that makes me wonder is it really the battery?

I have projector HIDS and LEDS inside and have had them for at least a year now, I've noticed today pulling in the garage that the right hid was not flickering on and off persay but the beam wasn't steady like it was.. it was kinda dimming a little along with the interior cabin LEDS.... Battery? Alternator? I'm truely at a loss.

I've also heard there are sensors on the transmission that dictate the speed to the speedometer, problem is I don't know which ones to get.. I don't mind replacing all of them as long as this STOPS.

I did change my rotors and pads, and calipers. This was friday and this didn't happen. I will note that my ABS light is not on nor is it flickering so it makes me wonder as well if that sensor in the rear is bad? I didn't see any bare wires everything is taped and loomed, so I don't think anyone cut the wires back there that I could see at all...

Attached the picture of the battery gauge. And link to the video that I took with my phone...

Any help would be great.... this is truely driving me nuts.




Thanks,
-Nigel

 

My guess is your voltage is too low. I know with my truck after it's been sitting a while and I have to jump it off my speedo does the exact same thing until the battery is charged back up.

I would think it could be the battery or alternator.

 

Update:

Driving in to work this morning and I saw my ABS light come on. Then it flashed slowly once ever 10 seconds or so, then stayed on. Then off for a while, then it would flash again, and stay steady for a minute..etc.

Now I'm thinking for sure the rear sensor?

Could this affect if the rear diff was low on fluid?

Will be replacing the rear sensor when I get home from work, then the battery tomorrow to see.

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

In 2001 model year, only the early 2.5L Rangers used the rear axle signal for the speedometer.

The 2.3, 3.0 and 4.0 for that year used a different system that took the raw signal from the OSS sensor in the transmission.

Are you sure that you have a 2.3 and not a 2.5?

 

Yep positive as it says 2.3L on the engine valve cover.

Do you know what specific OSS sensor I would need.. I tried looking on Rock auto and it's multiple ones depending on the transmission which I honestly don't know the model of it? Would it specifically state on the bottom of the transmission housing?

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

I don't know for sure that you need a new OSS. From what I've seen on the forums, the OSS seems to fail rarely. The fact that you're hearing noises from the cluster area makes me think the problem could be there instead ... but that's just a guess.

The 2001 2.3 automatic is a 5R44E.

 

That's what I am thinking as well honestly.

I'm going home here in a couple hours. so first thing will be the sensor... I'll turn it on and HOPE for the best... if that's not the case then I am replacing the battery tomorrow since it is at least 25 months old... IF then it still isn't working then I will get a replacement gauge cluster on ebay for cheap and test it out... after that I'm going to be pissed if it's it...arg

Weak sauce!

-Nigel

 

So, I changedthe rear sensor. That didn't work. Going to replace the battery now. I see a date of 12/07 on it....do you think the battery is getting too old?

Thanks,
Nigel

 

Get it tested before you just go out and buy one.

free at autozone or advance