Questions and Answers

Ford Ranger Speedometer Quit Working Q. I own a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT regular cab with a 4 cylinder engine and a manual transmission. I am currently having a problem with my speedometer and odometer. My speedometer has been lagging for at least six months. It was not working until I hit about 30 mph. Two days ago it stopped working all together along with my odometer.

My Check Engine Light (MIL) and ABS light have been on for about the same amount of time. What do you think is wrong with the truck?

Greg

A. Beginning in 1998, the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) has been deleted from Ford truck models. On vehicles equipped with 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake Systems (4WABS) , the vehicle speed signal is generated by the rear anti-lock brake sensor and sent to the 4WABS module. The 4WABS module sends the vehicle speed signal to all systems which require a vehicle speed signal input.

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is located on the rear differential.

Vehicles equipped with Rear Anti-lock Brakes (RABS) generate a vehicle speed signal from the rear axle speed sensor. The Generic Electronic Module (GEM) receives this signal (VSS_GEM) for internal use and then distributes it to the appropriate other users, i.e., the PCM, speed control module, and speedometer.

If you just had different tires installed, the new tire information needs to be input to the GEM to turn off the MIL and ABS lights.