Speedometer

Has anyone had a speedometer go bad on these? Mine is starting to fluctuate sporadically. I replaced the speed sensor. The next step would be to replace the alternator, maybe a diode is bad. An alternator runs $119. If that is not the problem, I would have to replace the speedometer, about $230+.

Also, has anyone had a hand brake light switch go bad or the washer fluid indicator? Just for general reference, because both of mine have, so the lights on the cluster are always on.

Washer fluid indicator....??? I've never seen that light in my life, I didn't think they would take the time and money to put a sensor on the washer fluid lol.

i don't see how an alternator would make just the speedometer fluctuate. you'd have things like your radio, lights, and the motor going goofy too if your alternator was going bad. get another cluster off e-bay that's close to the mileage that you have now and see if that fixes it. they aren't that expensive

wmich, how hard was it to replace the speed sensor. i bought my 96 talon with the abs light on and the washer fluid light on. both the abs and the washer fluid work, so not really worried about the lights. but last week me speedo died, and has not worked in over a week. I am hoping it is just the sensor, and not something more serious. when your speedo acts up, does it affect the running of your car. because my talon sometime stalls now also. sorry about highjacking your post, hopefully with it at the top, you will get more hits.

Washer fluid indicator....??? I've never seen that light in my life, I didn't think they would take the time and money to put a sensor on the washer fluid lol.
Yeah there's a washer fluid light. Not really necessary but it's there.

my winshield washer fluid light is on now... its a yellow light

Speed sensor will not cause the car not to start or run badly. It has one function, check how fast the transmission is moving.

Replacing is easy. It's on top of the tranny. You havae to take some stuff out, but it's easy to get to then. On GS, RS, ESi (or the 420a), you take out the battery, battery plate, and it's right there. Very easy.

Speed sensor will not cause the car not to start or run badly. It has one function, check how fast the transmission is moving.

Replacing is easy. It's on top of the tranny. You havae to take some stuff out, but it's easy to get to then. On GS, RS, ESi (or the 420a), you take out the battery, battery plate, and it's right there. Very easy.

To just help david finish off the rest of the procedure: After taking off the batter and then the battery plate look down through bar (hold the battery plate) and there shoul be only one slightly large-ish sensor sticking right out of the tranny...use a 10mm socket and unscrew that bad boy..then wiggle the whole sensor free...


I replaced my speed sensor and plastic gear and when I attached it to a drill the speedo moves, but still no luck with the speedo moving while I am driving! In other word, the teeth that are on the plastic gear are not touching anything in the tranny...does anyone know what it is suppose to touch? (Sorry if it makes no sense, tired from working on car ..lol)