94 speedometer shot up won't start!

[akimont88]

Hi everyone,

My 94 Caravan broke down on the freeway tonight. I had the cruise control on and i suddenly lost fuel pressure. I think the car stayed running...But I'm not sure. The speedometer also began to shoot up. I tried turning off the car and starting it while i was still moving and nothing. I drifted off an exit and tried to start the car, but again, pumping the gas does nothing. Accelerator cable is fine. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

ps Also, the horn stopped working earlier in the day...related? saw some posts about this possibly. Also, it's a 3.3 and I was driving in cold weather, in case that helps.

Sorry folks...new to the site, and I've been continuing to do research since my post. Some additional info in case it helps

The car has had a tendency to get stuck in 2nd. It doesn't happen all the time, but is somewhat frequent. I usually either stop the car and restart it or drop it into Neutral after i get it past 40mph, turn off, turn on without engaging starter, and turn it back on. As long as i accelerate slowly, the car gets past 2nd. I haven't checked the sparkplugs yet (too cold outside and no light!), but will begin the checklist first thing in the morning. If anybody has any suggestions (esp. concerning the speedometer bec. the car breaking down and the speedometer going up and staying there coincided) please let me know! Thanks all!

[RIP]

Are you getting a check engine light on the dash? Suggest you read any error codes that may have been generated. Here's how: http://www.allpar.com/fix/80s-codes.html

Sounds like it could be loosing the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) signal. It drives the speedometer and is a primary sensor used to determine idle speed via the Idle Air Control Valve (IAC) during deceleration and at idle.

Why do you say you suddenly lost fuel pressure? There's no accelerator pump on fuel injected engines so pumping the gas won't help.

[akimont88]

Sorry for forgetting that part...

Yes, the check engine light has frequently been on. It often would turn off once I'd driven a ways on a long freeway trip, but in the city, it definitely would stay on. Also, i might not have lost pressure...basically, when I try to turn the car over, it just turns and no amount of pressure to the gas pedal does anything. When I broke down, the car just stopped. I pushed the gas and nothing. I did not have someone with me at the time to try tapping the tank to see if it was the pump. Another note: The speedometer still is at its highest point when i try to start the car. All other gauges are fine. My biggest concern obviously is just getting the thing started and going. I know there is a lot happening here, but I'm almost to my destination (250 miles) and really wouldn't need the car after that. I doubt all these symptoms are one thing, and I want as much info as possible to throw at a repair shop as I am lacking a decent way to jack the vehicle (car is on some packed snow too) and have no way to get to a parts store. I'll check your link for sure tho. Thanks for the reply!

[RIP]

The codes will tell you which component is faulty or at least which system is causing a problem. It is usually every mechanics first tool. It's as easy as turning your ignition key and watching the check engine light flash.

Sounds like the transmission is going into what's called "limp mode". If a serious problem crops up in the tranny or sensors that effect it, it shifts itself to second gear to limit speed.

[akimont88]

Yeah, been reading up on "limp mode" on this forum. You guys are great! If that is related to it not starting, then I'll look into it. Like i said, I just wanna get 250 more miles!!! But the speedometer thing is unusual...it's not anywhere I've looked so far. And it coincided with the breakdown, so I can't help but think they're related. I checked the site u sent me. I'll check those codes first thing in the morning.

[RIP]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...e+speed+sensor

[akimont88]

Hi everybody. Sorry for the delay in replying. I ended up taking the car to a shop the next day. Turns out the alternator seized up, and caused the fuse controlling the engine's computer to blow. Funny how simple a fix it ended up being. Replaced the alternator and belt and was on my way. I took so long replying because the car sat once I arrived, but am now investigating the limp mode issue. Thanks again for the help everyone, and apologies on the delay in posting.

[akimont88]

BTW, the only error code was for the oxygen sensor.

[RIP]

Late or not, thanks for the fix. Glad to hear it was an easy one.