Speedometer drops to zero while driving

MFAVELL

MEMBER
2001 FORD ESCAPE
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
158,264 MILES

I have replaced the output speed sensor which worked for a few days but then started doing it again. Now when driving it the speedometer will not move which as you know the shifting is not working unless I manually do it, and even then, the overdrive light starts flashing. I just replaced the plug also that comes off the wiring harness because it looked worn, but again that didn't work. Can you please help me to get my tuck back on the road? I just need to know what to do.

Saturday, June 4th, 2022 AT 8:11 PM

7 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

We could have a couple of issues so let's start with the basics and see what codes are there and then we can take the next steps.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

However, this does sound like an output speed sensor issue. Just because you replaced it and it worked and then it stopped working doesn't mean the new sensor hasn't failed.

We should have some codes though so let's start there.

Thanks

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Sunday, June 5th, 2022 AT 7:38 PM

MFAVELL

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4 POSTS

Okay, I will see what codes it brings up when I get home tomorrow evening and get back with you.

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Sunday, June 5th, 2022 AT 9:43 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Sounds good. Thanks for the update. One more thought. If there are no codes, I would suggest driving it and getting the speedometer to drop to zero and then before you turn it off, scan for codes. There is a chance that depending on the code reader that you have, it will not pull stored codes, only active ones so it may have to have the issue in order to get the code.

Thanks again.

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Monday, June 6th, 2022 AT 6:25 AM

MFAVELL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Okay it came up with five codes they are as follows:
P1131
P0720
P0722
P0340
PO100

These are the last readings that I ran, before I am not able to drive it due to the over drive light comes on and you know what happens after that it want shift.
Okay I'll wait to hear back from you.
Oh, just replaced the output speed sensor plug that runs off the wiring harness as well as the sensor, also replaced the O2 sensor. But for some reason the O2 sensor keeps coming up and have replaced it several times.

Thanks,
Michelle

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Monday, June 6th, 2022 AT 7:20 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This could be a PCM issue, so we need to start with running through this testing before we try to figure out if the o2 issue is related. Clearly this is a different system but if you need a PCM that may fix the o2 sensor issue as well.

So, let's start with running through this testing and go from there.

Thanks

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Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 AT 10:17 AM

MFAVELL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I'm sorry but I just can't read what you sent to run some test. Is there anyway, you could maybe call me so that I can understand what I need to do? If so, just let me know and I will shoot you my number and a good time to call. Again, I just can't read it. I'm sorry.
Michelle Favell

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Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 AT 5:12 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Are you clicking on the image so that it enlarges it? If you are viewing it on your phone, you can click on it and then zoom in using the two finger zoom that smart phones have.

Unfortunately, we are only a free online service. We are not a phone service as well. Maybe one day but not right now so everything needs to stay online not only because of how we are set up but also so that all others that view this can follow what is happening.

Thanks

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Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 AT 4:45 PM