First off what is the sensor that is on the top of the rear end is it another speed sensor? I have looked through my haynes and i cant find it anywhere.

So anyways 2 weeks ago when it started warming up in Texas my speedometer stopped working. Most of the time i can get it working again but this time i have had no luck. Ive looked alot online for a solution, but i just cant find a good answer. i have thought about just going out and buying the vehicle speed sensor that is on the tranny but if i do not have to spend 50 bucks then great.

Also my cruise control does not work and I have yet to start investigating that problem. Any solutions or ideas you have for either prob would be greatly appreciated.


My truck: 96 dodge ram 1500 slt laramie reg cab 5.9 auto

 

Until '98, the Rear Wheel Speed Sensor (RWSS - on top of the rear diff) was used for Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) only. Since '98, the speed sensors in the tranny are ignored and the RWSS is used for speedometer/odometer drive as well. In your truck, the speedometer/odometer is driven by a gear in the tailshaft of the tranny ... old school.

 

So just go out and replace the vss on the tranny?

 

The VSS is not the speedometer drive. The VSS died on my '98 and effected nothing (except it threw a code). When I replaced it, it was just a hall effect sensor. The one you need will be farther back.

I don't have a '96 but I do know that '97 back used a gear.

 

I am not sure if were on the same page and all I am doing is trying to clear this all up to where I understand.

well there is a pinion that goes in first and then there is the speedometer adapter that goes over the pinion the the sensor goes in the adapter.

this is my guess of what the pinion is like http://www.ziggysmotorworks.com/part...BIG/pinion.jpg just plastic. The shaft goes up through the adapter and the sensor goes on top. s i prolly need to check the gears on the pinon right?

 

90% of the time, it's the ABS speed sensor that is the problem. This is the peice I think you need. Hope it helped:

http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductL...S+Speed+Sensor

The ABS speed sensor is on top of the rear diff facing the front of the truck. It's pretty much plug-n-play so you can't mess it up, but then again...

 

im guessing there is now way to check that sensor besides just replacing it right?

 

Try cleaning the plug. It may be corroded.

 

went by today and got the codes pulled...
got 2 codes
500: vehicle speed sensor malfunction
720: output speed sensor malfunction

so I am guessing just go up and buy a new vss but i wanted to run it by yall. so what yall think?

 

Based on the codes you pulled, yes ... the VSS should fix your problem. 1" deepwell socket.

Looks like this: