No speedometer

[kacssk]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could help. My 98 Windstar is acting up again. The check engine light is still on. I had the codes read at Autozone. It said that there was an O2 sensor needing to be replaced, Bank 2, sensor 2, fuel system error, enriched?, and the speed sensor needed to be replaced. I had no speedometer at one time. I took it to a ford dealership to replace the speed sensor, because I had no time and it needed done so I could tell how fast I was going. The dealership replaced the speed sensor, but the speedometer is still not working right. I works when it wants to now. I am replacing the brakes tonight, that should not be a problem. The van was acting funny yesterday. When I left an appointment, the van decided to shake like crazy when I would come to a stop light, or idling. So I thought it was the catalyic conventor was clogged. I took it in and they said that it was not the conventor. So I don't know what else to do, besides putting it on a computer for a $100.00, and see if there is any other codes??? Does any else have any ideas??? Please help, I am ready to shoot this piece of junk.

[pryornfld]

I had a similar problem about a year ago. First I was told that both O2 sensors needed replacement, done that, 2 days later, a misfire on cyc # 4. After replacing the plugs/wires, guess what...on again.A friend told me he had the same problem and it turned out to be carbon build up on the EGR valve.Cleaned the valve, runs smoothly now.Knock on wood!! This valve can be cleaned easily enough and is probably a good check as it would be a lot cheaper.

[fmac60]

My problem started when the speedometer needle was not steady. It was working but shaking a little. after three months it stopped showing any speed at times. It was very intermittent, and the transmission started acting up. I got a check engine light that after probing with computer at Autozone (No cost) showed speed sensor fault. I also got a blinking O/D light when the speedometer was not working. I love working on my car, but replacing this speed sensor (VSS) is a very tough job. I bought the sensor for $20.00 and got it replaced for $80.00. It did not solve the problem. After some research I decided to replace the range sensor -$25.00- (some manuals call it neutral switch) and the transmission problem went away about 90%. Transmission was still a little jerky when shifting from neutral to drive. Speedometer still worked intermittent. Took the van to AAMCO and they wanted to overhaul transmission at $12000. I kept on researching and found out that VSS sends electrical information to computer on vehicle speed to regulate some transmission pressures. I believe that was the problem on the jerky transmission. Computer did not know vehicle speed. I disconnected cable to speedometer head and confirmed it was working fine by turning cable and getting constant speedometer reading. Since the speedometer worked at times I knew there was no broken cable. After further research at transmission places I was told to check the gear shaft where the speed sensor connects to the transmission. You do not have to remove transmission to check it. It consists of a metal shaft with plastic gears I got it check and replaced for $90.00 and "BINGO" it was gone. The hole gear shaft kit cost me $80.00. The van is running like a swiss watch. Please be aware.

[rogerramjet]

Just had a similar problem turned out to be Transmission range sensor if you have a Haynes manual you can probably do it yourself its right on top of the transmission BTW the special tool they talk about is actually a piece of plastic that helps line up the sensor

your replacement speed sensor may also be defective

Another problem with our vans is the DPFE sensor and EGR valve , the dpfe is an easy fix most times you can take it off clean it (Gently ) it gets an accumulation of hard white deposits and plugs up , I got a replacement from a U-Pick wrecker and reinstalled it myself two bolts and 10 min same with the Tranmission Position sensor(three bolts) right under the air intake filter unit
Roger