How Can I Ungoof My Speeometer?

[Jarhead504]

For my '95 Ranger 3.0L: I took my cluster gauges out to change the broken odometer worm gear. I think I really goofed up with the speedometer NEEDLE. I did not "calibrate" it first with the AA battery before I pulled the needle off to get the worm gear motor off. NOW the needle points to 42 mph. I know I must have put the needle on wrong. How do I get it back to normal?

I do not understand the "calibration" instructions part when it comes to putting the voltage on the motor; the needle goes to a certain speed...Then what do you do? Do you take the needle off and relocate its position WHILE THE VOLTAGE IS ON? That part I do not understand.

Also, after replacing the worm gear and putting everything back together, the odometer STILL does not work. I think I may have "murphied" the worm gear. The worm gear has a "flat" end - the end with four square notches and an "open" end - the end just the spiral of it. Which end engages the gear of the odometer (the one attached to the actual odometer numbers?

If I have the worm gear on correctly, is there a way to troubleshoot the odometer motor? What else could be keeping the odometer from turning?

Thanks for any help and input.

Jarhead504