1994 Nissan Speedometer problem

hi guys,

was wondering if you guys can enlighten me on this problem i'm experiencing. the speedometer on my truck usually cuts out alot. when it goes out, so does my odometer and my CE light usually goes on. i thought my truck had a speedometer cable but the dealer says it doesn't (foound out when I was trying to order the part). he says my truck has an electronic speed sensor on the transmission. isnt that the same as a speedometer cable? could a bad speed sensor cause the CE light to come on? i'm fairly familiar with auto maintenance and basic repairs but never had to deal with this type of speedometer issue. Thanks.

 

Yes, the electronic speed sensor can cause your problem and I would just about bet that was the cause. I have seen the problem lots with dodge products but I really have not seen it happen often in the Nissans.

 

Yes a electronic speed sensor is like the same as a speedometer cable and gears. Thay run around $110.00 and up.Aftermarkit. Hope this helps.

 

I hate to tell you this but (9 out of 10) I think your speedometer itself is going bad, if you're handy and have a digital volt/amp meter, you can pull the speed sensor out and bench test it to make sure it's not a problem, it's more complicate testing the speedo head so I won't go there yet.

 

Thanks for the information guys. I was pretty certain that it was the speed sensor. $180 at the dealer so I think I'll see if I can find an aftermarket one. I've never installed one of these before, is it pretty easy to find on the transmission?

 

http://jcw.webepc.com/servlets/WebEP...&storeId=10101

 

Hi ya, as I memtioned earlier, it's really easy to test the speed sensor with a digital volt/amp meter and if you want to, I can take you step by step testing it.

$180 it a lot of dough, even if you can find one aftermarket and it's not fix the problem, you may not be able to return it for full refund due to most of electrical parts are non returnable, just a though.

 

Thanks New Guy. First, I need to know where the part is usually mounted on the transmission. Once I get it off, then I'll test it with the meter.

 

seeing how the speedometer works some times you will probably have a hard time testing it with a volt meter in order to diagnose an electrical part with a voltmeter you have to be testing it while it is acting up not sure how you could ever do that with it off the vehicle, as it is very likely to show to be good even though it could be causing your problem intermitantly.
have you checked autozone's website to see what it costs it could be alot cheaper than the dealer just enter your vehicle info and type in a search for speed sensor.

 

The sensor is located at the rear of the trans, you'll need 10mm wrench to remove one small bolt and just slowly twist it back and forward and pull it out, some fluid may come out so get something to catch them, onve it out, inspect the drive gear for any damage and replace if nessecery, also spinning the sensor few times and looking for roughness/binding when turning, it's should spin smoothly, if not it's needs replace.

Set your meter at the lowest AMPerage reading since the speed sensor will generates a/c current(very small amount of a/c current) and connect both leads to the sensor connector then spin it as fast as you can, if the meter shows/reading anything beside zero, the sensor is OK.

It's has been a known of speedo head problem on Max/Quest/Path models on that vintages and I'm not saying yours is the same but I've been with Nissan/Dodge for little over 23yrs and have seen and also made enough of mistakes on this issue, I just don't want to see you guys try to save some bucks by DIY and ended up spend more instead. Just a though.

 

A speed sensor for a 1998 Nissan Quest at Autozone or a major auto parts outlet costs in mid $30s. I think, at least hope, that $180 at a dealer would include installation. You expect to pay a much higher price from a dealer, but not a 6 times greater price.