Bad Speedometer

[jar73186]

Hey I have a question for any one with or without a 1995 ford windstar

Have you ever been driving down the road and your speedometer jumps eratically from 30 to 90 MPH? If so do you know the problem and even better the solution, your help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[crazymoon]

could be your VSS, is your CEL on it should give you a code

[oldscholar]

Originally Posted by jar73186

Hey I have a question for any one with or without a 1995 ford windstar

Have you ever been driving down the road and your speedometer jumps eratically from 30 to 90 MPH? If so do you know the problem and even better the solution, your help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

My family had the same problem with 97 Windstar. Not long after the speedo jumps, the needle began burying itself to the right and emitting a screeching noise. We were on vacation in SC. Contacted dealer and was informed the unit is sealed. Also found out this is a common problem with Windstars. Price quote from Ford was nearly $800 and junkyard wanted nearly $400.00. I simply chose to eliminate the noise by disconnecting speedo cable.

Upon return to KY, contacted local Ford dealer who ordered new speedometer for around $340, with correct mileage on it (KY is very serious about odomoter fraud). Ford wanted $65 to install but I already had the dash apart. Haven't had any problems since. Better to fix than to get a ticket with accompanying insurance increase.

Three different Ford dealers told me that there is some kind of bearing failure that occurs rather frequently. It sounded reasonable to me after hearing the screeching. Unfortunately, the unit is molded and unable to be opened for inspection. Have had no problems at all after replacement.

The job itself was actually easier than replacing a dash light (have had the dash apart for other things) but the $65 is a reasonable fee.

Hope this helps