weird speedo

My wife said our 97 caravan , while driving on hiway the speedometer dropped to zero and back up to speed she was going.She said the van didnt have any reaction or slow down or anything.We also have had the phantom wiper swipes once in a blue moon.Any ideas.

I have a 1999 and have the occasional speedometer blip. It occurs when the input/outpus speed sensors on the transmission pick up deris from the transmission. Dont forget, they are magnetic. i find if I remove and clan them the speedometer returns to normal.

Can you explain more , sorry I just got this van.Where are the speed sensors and how do u clean them.thanks.

Jdq,

I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but the speed sensors are relatively easy to asccess.


Remove the Air Box and air filter. Once removed you will have a pretty clear view of the front of the transmission.

Th Speed sensors sit about half way up the casing, one closer to the engine and the other closer to the Battery side.

You will see electrical connectors on them. Remove the electrical connector and un-screw the sensor. They should come oput relatively easily with a wrench turned on its side or a socket. i think it is about 1&1/4in. Thye look like bolts but bee careful they are plastic so dont swing on it.

Once removed you should see what looks like meltal dust/tranny fluid. Clean and replace and it should be ok.

If not the engine light will eventually come on. If the sensors fail replace both as they can go, and tend to go at the same time.

Let me know if you need further info. Basically they are either side of the transmission filler pipe near the bottom.

Ok thanks, im pretty good mechanically when you point me in right direction.Will I lose tranny fluid.

Not much tranny fluid if any is lost when removing the spped sensors. The Haynes mannual is pretty good for this.