Hello, the speedometer on my 1998 4WD 4.0L XJ has been broken for a couple of months now. I first took out the speedo drive gear to find that it was pretty seized up and had some good chunks missing from the gear attached to the sensor (the drive gear on the output shaft in the transfer case looks fine). I figured this was the problem and replaced the sensor, gear, and housing but the speedo did not start working. I have also checked the connector to the sensor which looks completely clean and as if all connections should work, and I have cleaned all of the grounds to the passenger side engine block (I don't know which one applies here but I saw a post that it was one of them). I have run an actuator test for the instrument panel which shows all the gauges functioning properly. Also the engine is throwing the code P0500, and since the speedometer stopped working the odometer has gone up 2 miles (with a lot more driving than that), which leads me to believe at some point when I didn't notice it briefly started working again. All in all, I'm fairly certain that everything from the transfer case to the sensor is mechanically sound, and that the connections at the sensor connector and engine block grounds are clean. I am at a loss of where to turn next and looking for any suggestions, thanks!

 

Hmm. Have you cleared the code to see if it comes back?

 

Yes, I have cleared the code, it keeps returning every time I try a new fix.

 

I'd be looking for a connection problem to the speed sensor. A pinched or abraded wire, or a dirty connector.

 

Okay, I'll check as thoroughly as I can. Thank you for your help!

 

Also, check that you reinstalled the sensor in the correct orientation. It's not obvious, but the gear is not centered in the sensor housing. You can install the sensor housing in 4 different rotational positions to account for the different size speedo gears. You might try loosening the hold-down clamp and rotate in 1/4-turn increments and see if it engages again.

 

Hi thanks for the suggestion, I have checked that it's in the position marked for the correct number of teeth but maybe I'll try up and down a position to see if it might make a difference.