95 Ranger 4.0 auto 4x4

[artw45]

New to my daughter truck, did a change of all fluids new VSS checked rear ABS sensor. No speedo, will not shift into 4x4 and hard shift at high rpms. Could they all be related? Not showing any codes on the OBD. Need to hook up to scanner and check computer? Runs and drives good, but shifts hard.

 

[RonD]

In a 1995 Ranger(1995-1997) the speed sensor(VSS) for speedometer is on the transmission or transfer case
On a 4x4 it would be on rear output shaft of transfer case
Its gear driven like the old speedo cable set up but has a VSS sensor instead of a cable
(the 1998-2000 Rangers were the only years that used the rear axle VSS for speed signal, just FYI)

Your 1995 VSS looks like this: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/speed/vss_withgear.JPG

In this picture of the back of a transfer case: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/rebuild_transfer_case_shift_motor/rebuilding_a_ford_transfer_case_shift_motor-19.jpg

You can see the OPEN hole above output shaft where the VSS and its gear drive would be installed, just has the one bolt that holds it in place

Yes, the no speedo and automatic shift issues would be related to no speed signal

4x4 shifting, a big MAYBE, I would say unrelated, but get the speed working FIRST, then tackle the 4x4 stuff

 

[artw45]

I have replaced the VSS with a new one and installed a wrecking yard instrument cluster out of a 2000 Explorer. Checked all of the fuses, it was missing the number 25 fuse which turned the buzzers on, not sure if that is what got the wipers working or not. That was a whole other thread. But even though I did not drive it much at all before that, it seems like that was when it started shifting harder.

 

[RonD]

A little confused

You replaced the VSS on transfer case and replaced cluster, and speedometer now works????

Fuse #25 in Cab fuse box does power GEM so could effect wipers and chime/buzzer, also powers cluster's speedometer directly

 

[artw45]

No speedo still does not work.

 

[RonD]

The worm gear(drive gear) that spins driven gear on VSS can strip

Pull out the VSS again a use a drill to spin it, can't remember which way to spin it but doesn't hurt it to go backwards, you do that every time you back up, but no speed would show
So try it both ways

 

[artw45]

I have done that and get nothing on the speedo. I just get the feeling that the speedo and hard shifting, not going into 4x4 is all related.

 

[RonD]

Test the VSS wires, key off
One should read as a ground, usually the Pink wire, test with OHM meter
You can also test the VSS should be about 1,400(1.4k) OHMs

The VSS generates its own AC voltage when it spun, .5-5volts AC
Only 1/2 the AC signal is used which is why 1 of the truck wires reads as a ground because it is grounded to complete the circuit

The other wire(grey/black stripe) runs into the cab and is split with, 1 wire to speedo, 1 wire to GEM(4x4), 1 wire to Computer and 1 wire to cruise control(if so equipped)
All grey/black wires

So wiring is not complicated