computer problems?

[fordalltheway]

This morning I started my 1999 ranger v6 (3.8 I believe) and the ABS brake light was on. I drove it a little while and the transmission starting to shift poorly and the OD light started to flash. Next the check engine light came on and the speedometer went to 0 even though I was moving. The engine still ran normally though. Does this sound like the computer is fried? Maybe a fuse? Is there only one computer right on the center of the firewall with a big right angle connector? If I got a computer from a junk yard would I need to do anything or just plug it in and go?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Sounds to me like either the sensor or the ring in the rear axle went caput. The speedometer and the RABS are part of the same sensor that is located in the rear axle.

If it went out the ABS light would come on and the speedo would go out and that would trip the transmission and set off the check engine light.

Mine did the same thing except I have a manual transmission so it ran just fine but the ABS came on and the speedo would jump around a little. All I did was take the sensor out and clean it off and had to drain the wire protector cover because it was fill of water.

 

[fordalltheway]

I didn't think about the rear axle sensor. The ABS light was on before I even moved. Would a bad sensor still cause the ABS light to come on even at rest? Of course the tachometer frozen at 3K as well.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

I wouldn't know but i does sound like somethings mesed up, I don't think the tach has anything to do with the ABS but I would still start with that sensor as its easy to pull and clean and cheaper to replace then anything else.

Also stop by a parts store and borrow a code reader and see if you can't figure out if its something else.

 

[fordalltheway]

You sir were 100% correct. Got a new speed sensor and in about 5 minutes all the little lights went off and it drives normally again. That was the entire problem. I was thinking the worst. I guess the PCM was confused becuase it didn't know how fast it was going.

Thanks a bunch!!!!!

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Yep not a problem thats why we are here.