Speedo / Odo Not Working

redlump · 09-20-2005, 08:16 AM

Hi all,

By way of a very swift intro:-
Semi-proud ownder of a fire-engine red, 2000 Sportage - 4WD, 4DR, Manual shift.

Recently the speedometer and Odometer stopped working. The trip gauge also does not increment.
Everything else on the dash works fine, and I can't find any blown fuses.

Does anyone know if this is a cable-driven speedo?
If so, where might the failure points be? I looked under the trans, but cannot see a cable entering anywhere.

Or is it electrical, in which case are there any additional in-line fuses which may have blown. (And how can I find the right wire?)

Thanks in advance,

Rob

Axe Man · 09-20-2005, 10:27 AM

The speedometer is electronic, no cable. The VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) is on the transfer case.

Check the "meter" fuse. But it is probably OK. If the check engine light is also on that would indicate a problem with the VSS itself or the wiring.

If the check engine light is OFF but the speedo still doesn't work that would point to a bad gage cluster.

redlump · 09-22-2005, 07:23 AM

Thanks, Axe Man.

Yes - the Check Engine light is on.

Can you describe exactly where I can find the VSS and what it looks like?

Thanks again,

Rob

Axe Man · 09-22-2005, 08:38 AM

On the driver's side of the transfer case, at the rear right in front of the output shaft to the rear differential. There is a 3 wire connector to the VSS. Check that connector.

redlump · 09-25-2005, 11:21 AM

OK. Found the VSS & connector.
I couldn't find any broken or chewed-through wiring (originally suspected squirrels) and when I removed the VSS it looked fine. Connector looked fine too.

Should it be possible to detect a variable output voltage if I spun the shaft with an electric drill?

And,

Would a malfunctioning VSS also explain why the odometer is not working?

And,

Have you ever heard of a VSS going bad?

Thanks,

Rob

Axe Man · 09-27-2005, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redlump@Sep 25 2005, 08:21 AM
OK. Found the VSS & connector.
I couldn't find any broken or chewed-through wiring (originally suspected squirrels) and when I removed the VSS it looked fine. Connector looked fine too.

Should it be possible to detect a variable output voltage if I spun the shaft with an electric drill?

Yes.

Quote:

And,

Would a malfunctioning VSS also explain why the odometer is not working?

Yes.

Quote:

And,

Have you ever heard of a VSS going bad?

Thanks,

Rob

Quoted post

Nope.

redlump · 10-15-2005, 10:34 AM

Thanks for the hints, Axe Man.

I replaced the VSS ($47) but still no luck.

I checked all the fuses - engine compartment & driver's kick panel.
Followed the VSS wiring as far as I could to see if it had been chewed up.

Do you have any other suggestions? Other tests I can do?

The speedo', odo' and trip meter are the only things not working.

Thanks,

Rob