So here’s my issue, bought a 98 ranger xlt about 2 months ago. Some days the transmission doesn’t want to go from first to second gear. Other days it works fine. When it’s not shifting, the speedometer also doesn’t work. It finally threw a code the other day for a vehicle speed sensor. Problem is, everything I can find online says it’s all linked to the ABS sensor on top of the rear differential. But even replacing that doesn’t fix the issue. Ive seen some transmissions have multiple speed sensors, however from what I can see on my specific truck they don’t seem to be where other forums say they should be. is there anything else that could be causing these issues? Bad relay? Bad ground somewhere? I’m lost. And I need my work beater to function properly. Any info would be appreciated

 

Welcome to the forum

1998 Ranger, assume automatic transmission?

What engine, there were 3 engines in 1998 and two different automatic transmissions?


On any 1998 Ranger the only speed sensor is the rear axle ABS sensor, Ford high jacked it for speedometer, cruise and computer speed signals from 1998 to 2000

But its still an ABS sensor so if it has a problem then the ABS light will be on FIRST

There is a GEM(generic electronic module) behind the radio in the dash, it runs all the cab electrics, its the "body computer", used in 1995 to 2003 Rangers
In 1998-2000 the GEM is also used to convert the 20,000ppm ABS sensor signal to the 8,000ppm signal the speedometer can use.

If there is no ABS light, but speedometer is acting up and you get a P0500(speed code) from computer then most likely issue would be the GEM

Yes, after about 1985, automatic transmissions will act up if computer doesn't have a reliable speed signal

The ABS sensors 2 wires are Spliced, usually near the Rear ABS module, drivers side frame rail near the front, if you have 4 wheel ABS then its a different setup

Its possible the splice has gone bad so GEM is not getting a good signal

Not sure if there is any way to test a GEM, you can test its wires, and there is computer software that can "talk" to the GEM, not sure what its called, Ford Dealers use it, but I think it is available to any one, for a price of course.


Speedometer/computer/cruise------------------GEM---\
ABS Module-----------------------------------------------\------------------------------------------rear axle sensor

Speedo, computer and cruise share the one signal from the gem, so if 2 or 3 are effected then problem is at the GEM, could be speed OUT or Speed IN wire

You can unplug the rear axle sensor and go for a drive to see if your ABS light comes on, doesn't hurt anything just no ABS when light is on

 

Yes auto, 3.0 xlt 4x4. There’s never been an abs light, o/d off light flashed for a day one time it’s happened. I’ll have to check the GEM thing now.

 

Does the ABS Light work, it should come on with key on and then go off?

GEM will have 4 connectors

Connector C224 will have a Grey/Black striped wire on pin 1, its the only connector with wires on pin 1

That Grey/black wire is SPEED OUT, it connects to speedometer, cruise and computer

Then on the same connector, Pin 9, may be another grey/black OR red/pink stripe wire, this is from the rear axles ABS sensors wire, the "+" wire

Then on same connector, pin 18, last pin on the connector, will be a Solid black or Light green/black stripe wire, if black its a Ground for speed sensor, if light green then its spliced to ABS sensor "-" wire