Gauges malfunctioning

FORD ESCORT
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SHER2
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I recently took my 1997 automatic Ford Escort LX, 52000 Kms, in to correct a problem with my speedometer. At about 80 Kms per hour the speedometer would start to leap erratically and then stop altogether. At the same time the car would begin to surge as if it were not getting enough gas. The “service engine soon” light eventually went on. A scan test diagnosed the problem as the Trans Speed Sensor. The mechanics had a very difficult time removing the old sensor but it was finally replaced with the new sensor. But now both the temperature gauge and the gas gauge are not functioning, both were working fine before I took the car in. Even when the car is not running the temp gauge is stuck at high and the gas gauge is stuck at half full. In an attempt to correct the temp gauge problem, the mechanics replaced both temp sensors, the instrument cluster in the dash, inspected the wiring and tried running a wire direct from the temp sensor to the gauge. (They hadn’t noticed that the gas gauge was also stuck so they did not try to correct that problem). They were unable to find the problem with the temp gauge and have suggested that I go to a Ford dealer. Before doing so I would like to know what to expect and/or what to suggest. Can you help?
Jul 8, 2007 at 11:04 PM
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SHER2
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Hi Justanoyed.Thanks for your quick response! I checked the fuse marked meter and even though it looked good I changed it anyway as you suggested. No change....Gas still stuck at half full and temperature guage off the scale! Now what???
Jul 9, 2007 at 8:14 PM
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SHER2
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Hello Justanold.... An update on this issue. You diganosed the problem correctly! I showed your response to a neighbour yesterday and even though he is not a mechanic he was able to fix my guage problems by cleaning and re-attaching the Ground as you suggested. Took him no more than 30 minutes! Thanks!!!:D But now we have discovered another more serious problem! :x
We noticed a large oil stain in my driveway, mostly under the right center of the hood - (sort of under the battery). So we checked the transmission fluid - it was dry! So we filled it with fluid ( about 1 1/2 litres) And I put some paper under the car to see if it was still leaking. And this morning I see that yes it is leaking. And unfortunatly I did some higway driving with the car last week after getting it back from the garage and the transmission fluid is looking a little rusty so I suspect I did some damage to the transmission? There was no oil leaks in the car before I took it in to have the Trans Speed Sensor changed! Could this new problem be related to the Sensor repair? And if so what would you suggest as my best course of action? :? :cry:
Jul 18, 2007 at 9:29 PM
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