Questions and Answers

Ford Aspire Speedometer Inop Q. I have a 1997 Ford Aspire, Manual transmission, 1.3 liter with close to 50,000 miles. I was driving on the highway and my check engine light came on. A few minutes later, the speedometer quit working. I have since noticed that the odometer has stopped as well.

Two questions: Can I fix the speedometer, and would the speedometer quitting cause the check engine light to come on?

Thanks for all your help,
Eric

A. The speedometer and odometer not working is a symptom of a bad Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). A bad VSS will turn on the Check Engine Light. And in that car the VSS is part of the speedometer. So, it looks like you'll be replacing the speedometer assembly sometime soon.

This is something you can do yourself.

Removal:

1. Remove the instrument cluster. (see below)
2. Press down on the lock tabs and remove the instrument cluster main lens.
3. Remove the four speedometer/odometer screws from the instrument cluster back plate.
4. Remove the speedometer/odometer.

Installation:

NOTE: The mileage on a replacement odometer cannot be reset. If a replacement odometer is installed, a sticker recording the vehicle's mileage at the date of replacement must be attached to the driver's door jamb.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Instrument Cluster

Removal:

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.

2. Remove the two instrument panel finish panel screws.
3. Remove the instrument panel finish panel insert.
4. Carefully pry the instrument panel finish panel away from the instrument panel.
5. Disconnect the speedometer cable at the transaxle.

6. Remove the four instrument cluster screws.
7. Pull the instrument cluster away from the instrument panel.
8. Reach behind the instrument cluster, press the lock tab, and disconnect the speedometer cable.

9. Press the lock tabs and disconnect the two instrument cluster electrical connectors from the back of the instrument cluster. NOTE: The instrument cluster has been removed to clarify the location of the lock tabs.
10. Remove the instrument cluster.

Installation:
To install, reverse the removal procedure.