Ford Ranger trouble...anyone have this happen to them?

[Pastfinder]

I own a 1999 Ford Ranger Supercab, 2RWD. Anyhow, I was getting in my truck last night to drive home to Raleigh and when I started it up the "ABS" warning light came on. Also, as I started to drive it, I noticed the speedometer wasn't working. The truck's engine seemed to not want to accelerate and then all of a sudden the transmission would jolt the vehicle and the speedometer started to work around 30mph. I checked all under and around the truck and don't see leaks of any kind, no damage to wires, anything having been put in the gas tank, ect. I checked the fuses and they appear to be ok. This seems like an electrical problem. Could the onboard comp have died?

 

[Paulson]

My dad's 88 ford ranger wouldn't start sometimes, the sylenoid was going out on it... but sometimes you'd be driving and all the power would just go totally dead to it... even though we tore apart the harnessing wires and looked up and down for the source of the problem.

 

[shekondar]

Originally posted by: Pastfinder
I own a 1999 Ford Ranger Supercab, 2RWD. Anyhow, I was getting in my truck last night to drive home to Raleigh and when I started it up the "ABS" warning light came on. Also, as I started to drive it, I noticed the speedometer wasn't working. The truck's engine seemed to not want to accelerate and then all of a sudden the transmission would jolt the vehicle and the speedometer started to work around 30mph. I checked all under and around the truck and don't see leaks of any kind, no damage to wires, anything having been put in the gas tank, ect. I checked the fuses and they appear to be ok. This seems like an electrical problem. Could the onboard comp have died?

Could be one of the ABS sensors (on the wheels) - I remember reading that some cars also use these for the speedometer.

 

[Lvis]

I have a y2k Ranger, never had that happen, or anything else for that matter.

I would check it for codes, or have it checked. That should at least give you an idea where to look.

 

[Zenmervolt]

If lights are coming on, the computer is storing error codes. Take it to AutoZone or someplace that will read the codes.

ZV

 

[jcwagers]

Well....just to be on the safe side, you might go to Advance Auto or somewhere like that and have them check your alternator. That probably isn't the problem....but you could use that as an excuse to eliminate some possibilities.

jc

 

[Quixfire]

AutoZone or Advance Auto doesn?t have the scanners to check for ABS codes. It sounds like a bad vehicle speed sensor but I would need to know if it has 2 or 4 wheel ABS to help any further.