2.3L ('83-'97) Speedometer and odometer not working

[OldGreen95]

I have a ‘95 XL 2WD 2.3 automatic standard cab Ranger. I have changed the ABS Sensor and the VSS Sensor. The truck has been sitting up for a while but just got it running and runs well. The problem is neither the speedometer nor odometer are working. The speedometer was working when I sent it to a local garage to put tires on and long term general maintenance. The engine seems to run great. Any ideas. Could it be wiring and if so how hard to track down and fix. I know this is an old subject but please help if you will.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Check Fuse 25 in cab fuse box, 10amp

1995 Ranger uses an electric Speedometer and Odometer, each has its own motor in the dash, but BOTH share the signal wire from VSS
VSS is on the transmission(or transfer case in 4x4s)
ABS sensor on rear axle was only used for speed signal in 1998 to 2000 Rangers, just FYI

VSS uses a gear drive same as speedometer cables did
If you changed the VSS then you should have seen the gear, did it look OK?

You can put a drill on it and spin the gear/VSS to see if you get speedometer movement, try spinning it BOTH directions, can't remember which way, but as most know speedometer doesn't show Speed in Reverse, doesn't hurt anything just no speed signal

On the VSS there is a Grey/black wire and a Pink/orange wire
The pink wire is a GROUND, you can test it with OHM Meter
Grey/black is the Speed Signal wire, it runs to cluster, computer, GEM and Cruise control(if so equipped)
So this grey/black wire has two or three splices that fed signal to these 3 or 4 devices

If there is no speed signal the Computer will set code P0500 and turn on CEL(check engine light)
So if no CEL or codes then most likely an issue with the grey/black wire at the back of cluster

VSS generates its own voltage, AC Volts, 0.5v to 8v AC, faster it spins the higher the volts
You can hook one up to Volt Meter set for AC volts and spin it with a drill

 

[OldGreen95]

The gear I pulled off the old VSS looked fine. I pulled the clip and reinstalled on the new VSS. A little twist and the unit popped back flush and I reinstalled the bolt. Sounds like I need to start isolating wiring. This truck has been passed around my family. It was my dad’s and my son was the last to drive it regularly. I believe he mentioned it’s operation was erratic so it sounded like wiring from behavior. There’s no CEL I believe. I will have to pull out a meter and go from there. Thanks Ron!

 

[RonD]

You can pull the cluster and then use a long wire to test grey/black at cluster to grey/black at VSS for 0 OHM or continuity
The GEM module is behind the Radio, it also has a grey/black wire(usually), so you can test that as well

 

[OldGreen95]

Sounds like an early AM project for me. I will try what you suggest and go from there. I will report back with anything meaningful. Thanks!

 

[JW20]

1995 Ranger uses an electric Speedometer and Odometer, each has its own motor in the dash, but BOTH share the signal wire from VSS

So does the manual transmission version use a cable? My 97 uses a cable but it's a manual transmission.

 

[RonD]

No, there would be no speedometer cable on any Ranger 1995 and up, 2WD, 4WD, manual or automatic
The instrument cluster was changed so didn't have a mechanical speedometer

The speedometer cable DRIVE was still used 1995-1997 for a VSS sensor, so someone could swap in an older speedometer and use a cable, but it wouldn't be factory in 1997
1998 and up Rangers didn't have the cable DRIVE on trans or transfer case anymore