ive got a '99 5.9L ram and the speedometer decided that its had enough. the needle dosent move until i hit 50ish mph (doesnt take very long <IMG src=smileys/smiley2.gif border="0">) i ran an obd-II test on it and it showed up that the "vehicle speed sensor" was malfunctioning. i replaced it, but the problem remains. i thought maybe i need a new speedo unit, but my dealer says you have to buy the entire gauge panel/cluster, and that runs to the tune of $530! im gonna go look at the local pick-and-pull for a working unit, but does anyone else have an idea of why this would be happening? i can use the tach to tell my speed (to a degree) but i would really like to have a working speedo.</P>


any info would be great. thanks</P>


aaron</P>

Hello,</P>


Did anything else quit such as odometer? I will look in my service manual to see if I see anything that could make a difference but you hit the nail on the head with the sensor. Unfortunately sometimes you will get parts bad out of stock from a parts house. You can also look at www.dodgeram.org for help as to checking for power at the sensor plug. Maybe there will be some usefull information at that sight as well. If I find anything usefull I will let you know. Hope you find it!</P>

thanks for the reply. yeah the odometer stopped working along with the speedo. if that makes a difference, im not sure. i never thought about the power going to the speed sensor. thanks for the info.</P>


aaron</P>

Hi,

I was working on a friends V-10, sorry I don't what generation that is. The tach was sporadic if ever working and the speedo was also bogus. After putting everything all back together there's nothing at all anymore. He had somewhat of an idea on the speedo, sometimes, but now nothing. Odometer is now fubar also

So couple questions. Is it just the two molex's on either side of that plug into the back of the gauge cluster, or have I missed something else?
Is there a bcm that goes in these things some where?
I guess from reading the previous post, the only thing to do with this is replace the guage cluster, correct? Is this a common problem with these vehicles, it's a 95 btw, if that helps any?

Is there some place a guy can look at a manual on-line?

Thanks in advance

Check the transmission output speed sensor..

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Starting my 10th year as a Parts and Master Certified Service Manager. James O'Neal Dodge. Bremen GA.- 1-800-663-2522 www.onealdodge.com www.bigostreetrods.com

Thanks for the reply,
Sorry to be a dumb ass, asking dumb ass questions, but this is not my truck and frankly I've never even as much as changed the oil in one. Stereo installs, that's another thing but... Is there some online parts fiche or manual where I guy could find out where to even begin looking for the transmission output speed sensor. Sounds like it's obviously off of the tranny but this truck is in such a bad state of repair, that I just don't want to go grabbing anything I don't have to as I'm afraid it would stop working also![:-]

Also, exactly in what manner should I check the sensor? +- voltage? a certain voltage? impedance?

here is a link to the 2001 service manual. most everything applies to your 99.
http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_340929/tm.htm

there are 2 speed sensors. one on differential and one on transmission.
browse through 2nd gen, or search for my recent posts. there is a thread w/ part numbers and pics.
trans sensor is only about $25 and screws in from outside, very easy, not worth trying to test.

also see manual or search on how to do an instrument test or cluster test. turn switch on while holding tripmeter in. odometer will display CHEK, and then test gauges, watch for movement 1/4, then 1/2, then full. this show whether you cluster is bad or not. mine was and i bought one from ebay from $25, some go higher but 50-75-100 tops. mileage display is stored in cluster so your odometer will change if you swap it unless you get one from the dealer where 'dodge detroit' will program the correct mileage.

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01 1500 Reg Cab 4wd 5.2 auto 3.55 285/75/16 nasta step bar tow hook hypertech 180 3923 trans cooler/filter posi-lok powertrax noslip timbren brite-box pioneer head rockford amp/speaker cobra cb firestick hughes plenum water pump timing chain oil pump rear seal cracked dash

Thanks fellas again for the great info. Will this info do as well for the vehicle I'm workin' on as it's 1995 V-10?

Thanks in advance

no. 94 and 95 are ODB 1 and a little less high tech. follow the SMP link here and search for your application. there is a rear speed sensor, but its a different part number. Also, they don't list one for trans.

http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_931708/m.../tm.htm#932869

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01 1500 Reg Cab 4wd 5.2 auto 3.55 285/75/16 nasta step bar tow hook hypertech 180 3923 trans cooler/filter posi-lok powertrax noslip timbren brite-box pioneer head rockford amp/speaker cobra cb firestick hughes plenum water pump timing chain oil pump rear seal cracked dash

Once again, thanks much for your reply, I'm a little confused though as I'm not entirely sure what ODB1 means and the link you posted takes me to another person with similar issues only once again, the vehicle in question is a 99 and not a 95.
So, for a 95, are the two molex plugs on the back of the instrument cluster, one left and one right, the only hook ups to it, as they are the only ones I could see and remember pulling out.I'm must wondering if I might have perhaps missed something?

On the 95, I guess there are only a couple of things to go wrong, that being, the cluster itself, or the speed sensor off of the diff? Neither speedo, tach, nor odometer work?