Speedometer not working

Tiny
MEDIC717
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 71,000 MILES
My Jeeps speedometer stopped working. Then the check engine light came on.
Computor stated vehicle speed sensor was bad.
I replaced the VSS but, my speedometer still doesn't work.
Check engine light is off now.
Any idea's?
Tim
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 12:42 PM

21 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
The VSS will cause the speedo to stop working. Since the problem is still there, check to make sure all wires are connected and not corroded. Check under the dash to make sure the wiring is tight and clean
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
MEDIC717
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the info. The new VSS came with a new pig tail. I left the old one at first then put the new one on after it still didn't work. I will look at the under dash wiring.
Thanks
Tim
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
MEDIC717
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Also not that it probably matters.
My Jeep is a factory right side drive.
Mail carrier.
Thanks
Tim
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
MEDIC717
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
After a $91.00 visit to the local dealer (diagnostic test) the service manager handed me a fist full of broken plastic gear.
VSS gear.
Estimate of $653.00 to repair.
I said not today scooter, put her back together.
Anyone have any advice on replacing this gear?
Thanks
Tim
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
TIMEHEALER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • JEEP CHEROKEE
I have a 1999 jeep grand cherokee limited. The other day my speedometer and tachometer stopped working, as I looked closer I noticed that the hand was actually below the peg on both. Im sure it should be sitting on top of the peg. If that is the case what would cause it and how can I fix it.
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CASEDUDE27
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Open your dash and carefully move the needle above the peg? Did you try it
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TESTSUBJECT013
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
The tachomater, speedometer, and the fuel gauges are not working at all. What possible common fault could there be?
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CYOUNGERS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have the same problem with my '96 Cherokee Sport. I was wondering if you have figured out what this is. E-mail me if you have any input (ajyoungers@hotmail. Com). Thanks!
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MADDOX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 203,000 MILES
SPEEDOMETER DOESNT WORK, IT IS READING 180MPH IN A SITTING OR DRIVING POSITION, IS THE SPEED SENSOR BAD OR POSSIBLY THE PINION GEAR BAD?
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Inspect and test the vehicle speed sensor its at the transmission extension housing


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_vss_22.jpg

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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVIDPARTRIDGE2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
The speedometer, mileage indicator and trip miles do not work. The other dashboard instrumentation all seems to work ok.

What is the likely problem and how can I fix it? I was told when I bought the Jeep that the engine had been replaced at some point.

Thank you.
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RED91XJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
1. Vehicle speed sensor: bad sensor, loose or dirty connection. Located on the transmission housing

2. Loose speedo cable at connection to back of speedometer. Located behind instrument cluster, and requires removal of dash moulding and is a pain to get to.
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MJ1958
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
I would like to know how costly it is to fix a speedometer on this vehicle?
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Does odometer work? Is the check engine light on?
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GREENCHEVYMALIBU
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
  • 1989 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 377,000 MILES
My speedometer cable bounces so I took it out and lubed it with graphite with no luck the bouncing is still there. I've tried to re lube it with several different lubes with no luck. I don't understand what is the problem?
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
HI there,

Thank you for the donation,

Due to the length of the cable there may be a bit of stretch in the inner drive cable and it is skipping off the outer cable, on other cars with this problem I have never had any luck trying to lube them, all they do is bind up more, the lube tends to bet to sticky and causes the inner to bind a bit, I feel the only option is a new cable.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GREENCHEVYMALIBU
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
Thanks i'll change it and get back to you with the outcome. Which cable should I replace. There is a real short one that connects to the cluster then to what looks like a sensor then from the other end the long cable bolts to it and to the transmission.
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

I would be replacing both cables.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GREENCHEVYMALIBU
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
Do you know where I can get both. AutoZone sells universal cables but I don't think they have the little cable.
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Sorry, that I can't help you with as I am in Australia. Check the link at the bottom of this post for parts, that may be of help.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM (Merged)

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