Odometer/Speedometer does not function

[Mikey_23_ny1]

Hello, Having a problem with my 97 mark viii lsc. The speedometer, and odometer doesn't work. (absent) Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there an easy way to troubleshoot this? Thanks in advance......:)

[Mikey_23_ny1]

Does anyone have any thoughts? The speedometer and the odometer disapeared and in place of it ,there are just dashes. Thanks Guys......:):)

[Philip]

New Generation Star Tester

[luxuryrules]

New Generation Star Tester

How should this wonderful device be used?

[Mikey_23_ny1]

I checked all the cabin fuses plus the fuses under the hood... I figured I would check to see if there was a blown fuse first but, no luck on that. when u first turn on the ignition, the miles come up for about 3 seconds(always reads out the same numbers) and then just turns to dashes. :confused:

[pro-five-oh]

You need the engine computer tested. If everything passes, get a shop manual (eBay) and see what the dashes mean.

[crazyhorse357]

The new generation star tester is a very expensive machine made by Hickoc Inc, based in my hometown of Greenwood, Ms. and is used primarily by Ford dealership mechanics.
If a non-dealer mechanic had one, I would be skeptical concerning his ability to use it properly.
Your problem will need to be looked at by a dealer, and that is not going to be cheap, but cheaper by far than you taking all over town to have it looked by just any and everybody and getting no results.
If you are in a big city call around and ask the dealers their shop rates, some are cheaper than others, but a dealer tech is your best bet, trust me.

[Mikey_23_ny1]

Maybe ill take the chance of buying a new computer on ebay. If that doesnt work then ill just resell it. Its a 97, does anyone know other compatable years?
Also, is it ok to swap it with another? (asuming that I get a good working unit)

[luxuryrules]

Maybe ill take the chance of buying a new computer on ebay. If that doesnt work then ill just resell it. Its a 97, does anyone know other compatable years?
Also, is it ok to swap it with another? (asuming that I get a good working unit)

Whoa, HANG ON. Before you do that, at least let a dealer tech run a diagnostic for you. Your local dealer may differ, but mine charges $85 for a diagnostic.

You can take a complete shot in the dark with a new computer (and I would not bet on that fixing the problem), or you can let somebody else screw with it, be out a hundred bucks, and know for sure what's wrong with it. That way, if the computer is the issue, then get one off ebay and fix the problem. If something else is the issue, that you feel you can fix, then you can fix it and avoid having gotten rid of the car unnecessarily. And if it's too expensive to fix yourself, then proceed with your idea of reselling it.

Short version, if you won't troubleshoot it, let somebody else troubleshoot it and make a more educated decision. You are much better off in the long run.

[Mikey_23_ny1]

Whoa, HANG ON. Before you do that, at least let a dealer tech run a diagnostic for you. Your local dealer may differ, but mine charges $85 for a diagnostic.

You can take a complete shot in the dark with a new computer (and I would not bet on that fixing the problem), or you can let somebody else screw with it, be out a hundred bucks, and know for sure what's wrong with it. That way, if the computer is the issue, then get one off ebay and fix the problem. If something else is the issue, that you feel you can fix, then you can fix it and avoid having gotten rid of the car unnecessarily. And if it's too expensive to fix yourself, then proceed with your idea of reselling it.

Short version, if you won't troubleshoot it, let somebody else troubleshoot it and make a more educated decision. You are much better off in the long run.
Maybe I worded that wrong, I meant resell the computer. Not the car. No no no... I'm in this for the longrun. This is a project car and I knew that there would be issues with it when I purchased it. I dont mind fixing all the bugs... I'd rather not go to the dealership. I'll figure this one out myself. I'll try another computer and if i still get the same result, then i will just resell the comp. ;):);)

[luxuryrules]

Ah, ok now I follow. Don't I feel silly :) Wonder too if the speedo cable is broken...

EDIT: actually, not sure if the GenII has a speedo cable.

[snooky]

I will look at my manual today, and see if there is any helpful info I can find for you. Cheers..

Snooky

[Dusty]

Do you get a CEL? I doubt you have a cable. Most of the Fords these days have a VSS in the tailshaft of the transmission which electonically drives the odometer and speedo. When mine went bad on my Tbird it finally threw a code for the VSS. It started acting up at first. It would go out idling and spring to life after a couple of minutes of driving.
My sensor was close to the exhaust which heat it up without air moving around it. It would cool while moving until it crapped all together and gave me a code.
The VSS is pretty inexpensive and easy to replace, might be worth a shot before a new computer.

[pro-five-oh]

Do what Dusty said. CODE SCANNER time!

No Mark VIII has a speedo cable, there's a VSS in the tranny and that's it.

[Mikey_23_ny1]

Do what Dusty said. CODE SCANNER time!

No Mark VIII has a speedo cable, there's a VSS in the tranny and that's it.

Thanks guys, I'm gonna do like you said and take a chance replacing that VSS. Its worth a shot before replacing the comp. I never even heard of it but I will look it up in the book and see about where to find it on the tranny. Good info guys, thanks a bunch.. I will keep you posted.. thanks again;)

[pro-five-oh]

Do NOT replace the VSS before testing the system with a code scanner.

Unless you like throwing money at problems blindly. :)

[Dusty]

Go to Autozone or another big chain parts store that do free code scans.

[Fordace]

Go to Autozone or another big chain parts store that do free code scans.

BINGO !

[Mikey_23_ny1]

I'lll stop at auto zone tomarrow after work and pick up a scanner. If you pay the full price of the scanner they will let you buy/or borrow it. When ur done they will take it back and refund me all my money. I've done this before with certain tools from them. Will the scanner most likely still pick up the problem being that there is no service engine light on?:)

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

yup :)

[luxuryrules]

Depends on the scanner and the nature of the code, actually. But hey, it's worth a shot and all it costs is nothing :)

[snooky]

Sorry for the delay. I checked the service manual, and all the information on the VSS is correct. According to the manual vehicle speed sensor is probably the suspect. It says to check the connector at the sensor on the tranny. Verify speed sensor resistance 200-300 ohms. A couple of other checks, but the end result is change the speed sensor. Other than that it is wiring, circuit board, or speedometer/odometer assembly. Cheers.

Snooky

[Fordace]

DTC P0500/P0501: CHECK RESISTANCE OF VSS HARNESS CIRCUITS
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0500/P0501 indicates that a VSS malfunction has been detected.
Note: Delayed engagement or no vehicle movement can be caused by a transmission concern. Harsh shifts and/or erratic speedometer can be caused by a failed speedometer or an open or intermittent ground within the instrument cluster on vehicles with electronic readout.

Possible causes:

Open in VSS+/VSS- harness circuit.
Short to GND or SIG RTN in VSS+/VSS- harness circuit.
Short to PWR in VSS+/VSS- harness circuit.
Damaged VSS or driven gears.
Damaged PCM.VSS disconnected.
Measure the resistance of the VSS.
Is resistance between 170 and 270 ohms?

[Mikey_23_ny1]

Sorry for the delay. I checked the service manual, and all the information on the VSS is correct. According to the manual vehicle speed sensor is probably the suspect. It says to check the connector at the sensor on the tranny. Verify speed sensor resistance 200-300 ohms. A couple of other checks, but the end result is change the speed sensor. Other than that it is wiring, circuit board, or speedometer/odometer assembly. Cheers.

Snooky

DTC P0500/P0501: CHECK RESISTANCE OF VSS HARNESS CIRCUITS
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0500/P0501 indicates that a VSS malfunction has been detected.
Note: Delayed engagement or no vehicle movement can be caused by a transmission concern. Harsh shifts and/or erratic speedometer can be caused by a failed speedometer or an open or intermittent ground within the instrument cluster on vehicles with electronic readout.

Possible causes:

Open in VSS+/VSS- harness circuit.
Short to GND or SIG RTN in VSS+/VSS- harness circuit.
Short to PWR in VSS+/VSS- harness circuit.
Damaged VSS or driven gears.
Damaged PCM.VSS disconnected.
Measure the resistance of the VSS.
Is resistance between 170 and 270 ohms?

Guys, thanks alot
I picked up that scanner from autozone for 199 bucks. I never used one before but im sure i will manage. If I get nothing on the scanner I guess i can take a chance with that vss sensor. BTW, is that sensor a pita to change? or is it easy? Is it in a tuff spot? Is it okay aftermarket or should i get it from ford? Thanks a bunch;):);)

[snooky]

The VSS that I have changed were not difficult. I have not replaced one on the Mark yet, so I can't swear to the difficulty. Cheers..

Snooky

[pro-five-oh]

Guys, thanks alot
I picked up that scanner from autozone for 199 bucks. I never used one before but im sure i will manage. If I get nothing on the scanner I guess i can take a chance with that vss sensor. BTW, is that sensor a pita to change? or is it easy? Is it in a tuff spot? Is it okay aftermarket or should i get it from ford? Thanks a bunch;):);)

Aftermarket sensors are fine, but don't get the cheap WELLS junk from Autozone. Stick with Borg Warner, parts from NAPA, etc.

Its probably the VSS, but you must always ask the computer first.

[Dusty]

BTW, is that sensor a pita to change? or is it easy? Is it in a tuff spot? Is it okay aftermarket or should i get it from ford? Thanks a bunch;):);)

Very easy to change. Your speedo gear is behind it when you pull the sensor out.
Do it with a cold exhaust so you don't burn yourself. Put the car on ramps or stands so you can get under there and see what you are doing. The part is not too expensive from Ford. Autozone did not even carry one when mine went.

[Mikey_23_ny1]

So im not changing anything behind the sensor right. Just the sensor alone? one piece? Never did it before so i figure i should ask rather than do it twice;)
I just picked up a vss on my way home and plan on changing it tomarrow. I guess i got lucky on the brand borg warner. Thats the one I got and i just read that Pro Five said that this is an acceptable aftermarket part. I was worried when i purchased it because it was only 15 bucks... ;) Thanks guys. Will keep you updated:)

[BOBS 84MK7]

I,m having the same issues with my 1984.. also... my passenger side rear turn signal only works when i flick the turn signal handle up and down,the signal will not work if i have it in the upward position?

all other lights work,no dash lights to speak of.. i checked all fuses..i may end up pulling the dash before i do any spendy fixes!

[snooky]

Aftermarket sensors are fine, but don't get the cheap WELLS junk from Autozone. Stick with Borg Warner, parts from NAPA, etc.

Its probably the VSS, but you must always ask the computer first.

WELLS is the major OE provider today, and has been for a long time. Started out with Henry Ford. Cheers..

Snooky

[luxuryrules]

WELLS is the major OE provider today, and has been for a long time. Started out with Henry Ford. Cheers..

Snooky

I never knew that actually!

Except the Wells parts made for the OE are not necessarily the same [poor] quality as the ones they sell to AZ & the others.

The DeWalt drill you buy at Home Depot for cheap is not nearly as well built as the one your electrician buys at his industrial supply shop for double the price. They'll even be the same part number, but you tear them down side by side and you can see that the Depot unit is noticeably cheaper.

[pro-five-oh]

WELLS is the major OE provider today, and has been for a long time. Started out with Henry Ford. Cheers..

Snooky

Yeah, I read their pamphlet a few years back at Autozone. But after their MAP sensor and their poorly made cap/rotor crapped out on me (the MAP was only 1 month old) I could care less about their history.

They make junk to retailers. Borg Warner has never screwed with me.