speedo

[fordy6]

Hello all,
I have a '98 Villager and on a recent trip my speedometer went crazy! It fluctuated from 10 mph up to 65 mph. Does anyone know if it is electric or is there a speedo cable that might be faulty?
Thanks, Mike

[JEEPMAN33]

Does anyone know if it is electric or is there a speedo cable that might be faulty?
Thanks, Mike[/quote]

No speedo cable like you are used to...The Villager has a sensor in the transmission...Callled the VSS - Vehicle Speed switch that generates a very small Ac voltage based on the rotation of the sensor. This signal is sent to the transmission CPU that sends the DC signal back to the Spedometer.

I would check this sensor by jacking up the car and sliding over to the back of the trnasaxle. Its a sensor that sticks upward and has a coonector attached to it with a wire. After removing the connector, you then need to remove the sensor by removing the screw and bracket.

The sensor will lift out. Using an Ananlog volt meter connected to the sensor, spin the sensor by hand and see if it generates a small ac volatge thats linear. In other words does the voltage increase as you speed the sensor faster. If it doesn't its bad. Thats all!

[fsirignano]

I know this is an old post... but just thought I'd put my 2 cents in for people who might ask. The VSS isn't that expensive (i don't think?) but if you're not looking to spend a lot of money, you can also try switching out JUST the little turbine thing that connects to the VSS to the transmission. This was the problem on my Villager's spedo, replaced the VSS and still a no-go. The turbine thing didn't looked to be damaged at all, but I went to ford and asked for a new one, was only 3 bucks. put that bad boy on and all was well again. Returned the new VSS I purchased for my money back. Ever since I ALWAYS search for the cheapest solution, because a lot of the times (in my cases), that's usually what it is.

[jettblaster]

My speedo died the other day, followed by interesting shift patterns, overdrive getting confused and misfires causing the knock sensor to throw a code. After replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor ($94 dealer part only) all the problems went away. This thing is so simple to swap out it isn't even funny. 10 minutes and you are done. It is located drivers side, on top of the tranny in the back. Easily reached with the car on ramps. One 10mm socket to remove the bolt holding the bracket, then pull the VSS straight out. Save the sprocket and the pin holding it, you will need them. New VSS will not come with one.