No odometer and abs/trac light on

[97TaurusGuy]

I know this seems to be a common problem with these vans but I seem to be experiencing only a few of the Brake Pressure Switch syndrome symptoms. The odomoeter of course goes to dashes after a minute or so of the van running. The numbers do show when it is first started. The ABS and trac off lights are on. I checked the brake pressure switch...it was dry, no signs of leakage. I did clean the connection while I had it off. I checked the #10 fuse it was fine but replaced it anyways. It is a 1999 Windstar SE with the 3.8L. I really don't know much about this van yet, I just bought it a week or two ago. have owned one before so I have become familiar with their numerous quirks. Good news though...no 171/174 codes!!!

[wiswind]

I would get the code(s) read.
I am wondering if you have a code for the vehicle speed sensor.
A side note would be to verify that the brake master cylinder cylinder is up to the top of the FULL line with brake fluid.

[97TaurusGuy]

Already checked the fluid. It is to the full mark. Also, the speedometer is working fine. I noticed in other threads that other people seem to have the speedometer problem but mine is fine.

[97TaurusGuy]

So the vehicle speed sensor can cause this problem and the speedometer still work fine??

[97TaurusGuy]

So I had the ABS codes read today. Had about 10 different codes in there including all 4 wheel sensors and the VSS. Was told it is probably the ABS module. Guess I will try clearing everything out first and go from there.

[wiswind]

I do not know if the VSS is used for the ABS or not.
The VSS is mounted on the back side.....middle of the transmission.
It is above the front catalytic converter.
The speedometer cable connects to it.
On my '96, the speedometer cable is in 2 parts......a section that is about 3 feet long connects to the VSS and the cable from inside the passenger compartment connects to that.
So...the speedometer connects to the VSS and the mechanical part is spinning to spin the cable......and a magnetic "pickup" part is the actual electronic sensor, which goes to the PCM.
When the VSS went on my '96, the transmission O/D light was flashing....and the transmission was not shifting correctly.
No ABS or BRAKE lights were ON.....and I do not have traction control.....so I do not know how it would cause that to act.
I was thinking that the VSS might be used for traction control.....but I do not know.
As the traction control was a option, not super common, many mechanics may not be up on troubleshooting problems with it.
I DO find it unlikely that ALL of your wheel speed sensors have gone bad.
It is not uncommon for a issue to come up with 1 of them.....a common issue is the sensor being bumped.....and being too far from the exciter ring, so the teeth of the exciter ring are too far from the sensor (a magnetic pickup) to cause enough of a field to be sensed.

[hbarnhardt]

I had almost the same problems, tach, speedometer, ABS light on etc.
Checked the #10 fuse and it was good. Checked the Brake Pres. switch, no oil, very dry, checked the Mas. Cyl. it was full.
Decided to replace the brake Pres switch anyhow and did. (Ford Dealer wanted to charge me $35.00 plus Tax. I had previously Found Ford Dealer who charged $11.00 plus S & H of 9.80, total of 21.00.) I had previously printed this out and took it with me. Pulled the printout out and the dealer reduced his price by 10.00 so I purchased.
Anyhow replaced the switch (15 min) took it for a drive, with no results. Came back, put a new fuse in #10, tried it out and everything worked perfectly. I had quotes from dealers as much as $800.00 to diagnose and repair.