2.3L ('83-'97) Speedometer/odometer not working - Running out of things to check

[Sam641]

Hello and thank you in advance. I apologize if this isn't the correct place to ask for help but I couldn't find a "help" forum.

I have a 97 Ranger XLT, 2.3, automatic transmission, 2WD which I'm getting ready for my daughter as a first vehicle.
Unfortunately, I can't get the speedometer or odometer to work. I've checked several forums, watched videos, referred to manuals, and check every aspect of this system and I'm running out of options, patience, and sanity.

• I've replaced the VSS sensor at the rear of the transmission.
• I replace the ABS sensor on the rear differential for good measure (I know it's not part of the speedometer system on this year).
• I checked the orange/pink wire for ground. It tested good.
• I checked continuity on the gray/black wire at the VSS plug and the corresponding plug at the rear of the cluster. (Sometimes I have continuity, sometimes I don't)
• I have continuity from pin #1 on the GEM, pin #58 on the PCM, and the corresponding pin at the rear of the cluster.
• I disassembled the cluster and tested the speedometer gauge using the original VSS attached to a drill and confirmed the gauge works.
• I've separated plugs C129 & C130 at the rear of the engine and removed the lower wiring harness from the vehicle.
• Vehicle has continuity from plug C130 to PCM, GEM, and cluster plug.
• Removed lower harness has continuity from plug C130 to VSS plug (when removed from vehicle. Loses continuity when installed.)
• Disassembled lower harness in search of damaged wires or plugs. (VSS plug was determined faulty)
• Replaced VSS pigtail and reassembled lower harness. Reinstalled. No continuity between VSS plug and cluster plug.

As you can see, I've checked pretty much everything. Clearly there's a break somewhere but I can't find it. The engine compartment harness shows a splice S111 near the throttle control, which goes to the PCM, and plug C139 on the left side fender wall before going into the cab. I haven't checked these two points as I have never lost continuity on the upper half of the system.

I'm about to the point of splicing in new wire to join the VSS, PCM, GEM, and cluster, but I'd prefer that as a last resort. In any case, I have to get this fixed one way or another.

Thank you for any input. I hope its something simple I'm simply missing.

 

[tj4fa]

Thank you for any input

Any Input-> For now, if you or your daughter gets to drive the vehicle, I recommend you use a GPS to keep track of your speed.
My wife's speedometer/odometer went dead in her '93 Civic and before I finally somehow fixed it, she got a speeding ticket.
(I think the fix was a jammed gear from the odometer reset button or maybe a cold solder joint repair) I forget as its been a while.

Below is an image with a link address, where a similar problem to yours is discussed.
I couldn't directly hot link it but you should be able to use your search engine and type in the link.

I hope this helps

 

[Sam641]

Thank you. I was considering GPS speed tracking until I could figure it out. Wasn't sure if lack of speed signal would cause issues between the PCM and GEM.

In other news, I had a break through last night. It seems I had two problems.
I tapped a jumper wire to the back side of the GEM plug (the easiest one on the top side of the system to get to) and using a drill, simulated the vehicle moving with the old (but still good) VSS.
The speedometer needle didn't move.
That told me bypassing the harness wouldn't work.
I connected my OBD2 reader and started the truck. Watching live data, I was finally able to see registering MPH, which it didn't have before.
This told me that while the individual gauges were tested and confirmed working, the cluster itself is breaking connection.