Speedometer isn’t working
The speedometer isn't working, and the Check Engine Light is on.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi. If your speedometer is not working, and your Check Engine Light this may be a sign that your speedometer sensor has failed. As the speedometer sensor is located in the transmission, underneath the vehicle, I would recommend having the vehicle looked at by a professional technician, such as one from your mechanic, and replace the failing speedometer sensor.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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A speed sensor that has failed may stop the speedometer from working. You may also notice that your vehicle is not running smoothly and you are not able to use the vehicle`s cruise control. When speed sensors fail, they will typically cause the Check Engine light to come on, indicating that there is an issue.
Common signs include the speedometer not working, cruise control not engaging, Check Engine Light coming on, and loss of power.
The most common causes of a speedometer that stopped working include are a faulty speed sensor, a broken gear on the speedometer, damaged wiring, or a faulty engine control unit.
Your speedometer is directly linked to the speed sensor — meaning if anything goes wrong with the vehicle speed sensor, it`ll lead to a speedometer failure. Whether you have hall effect or digital speed sensors, here are some signs of a bad sensor that may accompany your erratic speedometer needle: Transmission issues.
Yes, a blown fuse can cause a speedometer to stop working. The speedometer fuse is located in the fuse box and controls the power supply to both the speedometer and odometer.
A common problem for this malfunction is when the car owner recently replaced the battery, or perhaps jump-stared their vehicle, which in both cases could have caused an electrical spike that made the speedometer go berserk.
Underperforming Electrical Systems
You might notice your car`s power windows rolling slower, the speedometer acting up, or the stereo system`s output getting softer due to alternator trouble. These are tell-tale signs of an issue with your vehicle`s electrical system.
In speedometer controllers of this type that use a detection signal from a vehicle speed sensor, the detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor is transmitted through a powertrain control module (hereinafter referred to as “PCM”).
The instrument cluster fuse, also known as the dashboard fuse, powers the gauges and displays on your vehicle`s dashboard. This includes the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.
behind the scenes of your speedometer, there`s a computer and electrical system that helps relay signals about how fast your car is moving, among many other things. this computer is known as the engine control module (ecm).
What does a Vehicle Speed Sensor do? Vehicle Speed Sensors measure wheel speeds and provide this information to the vehicles ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The ECU calculates ignition timing, transmission shift points, and air/fuel ratios for the vehicle.
Tire size and speedometer accuracy are directly linked to each other. Up-sizing, or installing a taller tire, will lead to a speedometer reading that is slower than your actual speed.
The cost will vary depending on the cause of the problem. Replacing a speed sensor will typically cost between $100 and $200. Replacing a speedometer cable will usually cost between $50 and $100. Replacing a speedometer gear will typically cost between $50 and $100.
Depending on the vehicle year, make and model, a speed sensor can cost as little as $7.92 or as much as $100. For most vehicles, the cost for a speed sensor is between $25 and $45.
It`s very dangerous to be out on the road when you know your ABS system isn`t working, regardless of the reason. If you cause a crash and knew about the faulty sensor, you could have greater liability for the damage.
Transmission Range Sensor (TR)/ Transmission Position Sensor
The PCM uses this information to control which gears of the transmission to enable or disable. When the TR sensor fails it can cause wrong gear starts, no upshifts, or what feels like a falling-out-of-gear condition.
Speedometer calibration cost will vary depending on where you take your vehicle to get calibrated. Most speedometer calibrations will cost about $50-100 but some places charge more. You do not necessarily get what you pay for when it comes to calibrations. Calibrations checks should not take a lot of time.
A common problem for this malfunction is when the car owner recently replaced the battery, or perhaps jump-stared their vehicle, which in both cases could have caused an electrical spike that made the speedometer go berserk. See the simple reset solution in the video below, demonstrated on a 2002 Chrysler Sebring.
The Vehicle Speed Sensor, or VSS, sends electrical pulses to the vehicle`s onboard engine computer, also referred to as PCM or ECU, that are generated through a magnet that spins a sensor coil. When the vehicle`s speed increases, the frequency of the pulse increases.
The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
If all the gauges in a car suddenly stop working, it`s typically due to a broken fuse or faulty wiring. To start troubleshooting, you`ll need to locate the fuse associated with the instrument cluster. Once you`ve identified the fuse, you can inspect it to determine if it has blown or needs to be replaced.
A common problem for this malfunction is when the car owner recently replaced the battery, or perhaps jump-stared their vehicle, which in both cases could have caused an electrical spike that made the speedometer go berserk. See the simple reset solution in the video below, demonstrated on a 2002 Chrysler Sebring.
The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Gas gauge isn’t working. Sometimes the speedometer and the temperature gauge doesn’t work. Limited lights around gauges and radio.
ANSWER : Hi there. The dashboard lights are burned out in the dash and the dimmer switch could be worn causing the lights to be weak. The gauges that seldom fail to work is most likely a loose wire in the dash panel. The fuel gauge that is not going to E when shutting off the car has a damaged rheostat within the sending unit. The sending unit is in the fuel tank attached to the fuel pump. If you need further assistance with your gauges not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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My dash board don’t work my front light work when I change my light into high beam and my back window won’t go down
ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.
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Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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Car starting sometimes, sometimes have to jump, speedometer and tach working but all other gauges not working 2003 GMC Yukon
ANSWER : Hi there – check fuses first, but it sounds like you might have a problem with your digital dash, and possibly a wiring issue that is draining your battery overnight. The lack of gauge function is is a high failure rate circuit board issue, but there are rebuilder service companies out there that specialize in this work. The battery drain issue maybe be a different problem, but can be tracked down as well. This problem can be diagnosed by connecting an ammeter to the positive (red) battery cable, observe the current drain (likely less than 1 amp), then, one at a time, remove each fuse, check to see if the current drain has dropped to near 0, then reinsert the fuse. This process should identify the faulty circuit in most cases. The specific components on that circuit can then be checked for current drain problems. A professional mechanic, like YourMechanic, can come to your location, and perform this procedure for you, and replace/repair the failing component.
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Engine check light on and cruise control not working, but speedometer works
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. Usually the P0717 OBD-II error code is associated with a speed sensor problem inside the transmission. This part helps to monitor the cruise control along with the speedometer. If the sensor is damaged or has a loose fitting wire harness, it will disable the cruise control first as a safety measure; but allow the speedometer to work in many cases. The best way to know for sure is to contact one of our mechanics to replace your speed sensor, or inspect the vehicle for cruise control issues.
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All dashboard lights and tail lights do not work after driving through a lot of snow. Headlights work. And brake lights work.
ANSWER : Hello. We’ll be happy to help you. There are a few things that I recommend checking to discover why your lighting system is malfunctioning. The headlight dimmer switch should be checked. Along with the wiring harness above the right front tire behind the fender well cover. Also
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
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My AC does not always work. If I fiddle with the blower knob I can ususally get it to work on the lowest setting.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a faulty blower motor resistor. The highest speed setting may still work because in most cars in the highest fan speed settings the current bypasses the blower motor resistor. In some cars, if the resistor is failed, the fan may stop working completely. Another reason a blower motor resistor may fail is when the blower motor has a mechanical problem or when a foreign object jams the blower motor fan blade and prevents it from spinning freely. This leads to increased current through the resistor and causes it to overheat and fail. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your system to determine what may be causing the fan not to work properly.
It sounds like you may have a faulty blower motor resistor. The highest speed setting may still work because in most cars in the highest fan speed settings the current bypasses the blower motor resistor. In some cars, if the resistor is failed, the fan may stop working completely. Another reason a blower motor resistor may fail is when the blower motor has a mechanical problem or when a foreign object jams the blower motor fan blade and prevents it from spinning freely. This leads to increased current through the resistor and causes it to overheat and fail. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your system to determine what may be causing the fan not to work properly.
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My speedometer, rpm gauge and fuel gauge are not working; possible gear slipping and high rpm.
ANSWER : Hi there. For the electrical issues on the dash that are not working properly, I recommend that you have your battery check and loaded. The battery could have 12.6 volts, but if a cell is burnt or damaged, the battery will not hold a load causing issues with the electrical system to your vehicle. If the battery is low on charge and or fails the load test, then I recommend replacing the battery with a new one if it is more than a year old. Batteries in a vehicle usually last about 2 to 3 years without having any issues. If you need further assistance with your gauges not working properly, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
For the jerking feeling when shifting, check the transmission fluid and see if it’s full and red in color. If the fluids are low, top them off and check the condition of the shifting issue. Another possibility that can cause the transmission to jerk into gear is the transmission or engine mount could be loose or damaged. If the transmission is still having an issue with shifting, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you with your transmission jerking in gear.
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