speedometer goes zero frequently!

[crunch]

speedometer on my 1999 4-door 1.6 zetec while cruising shows the value of
zero and goes correct again.When i asked my mechanic, she said the problem is due to speedometer sensor which is connected on the transmission. Is that right?Or is there any electrical matter?Because sometimes when it happens the volume of radio goes down and slight hauling losses occur.Thanx in advance :

[chaz493]

honestly, you could need a new battery. but it depends, is it just your speedometer, or do all of your needles go down to nothing and then go back to normal?

[craig_f]

Hi Have you sorted the problem as i have the same problem on a 1999 1.4 focus

Thanks

Craig

[2focusd]

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) possibly?

-Brian

[slam]

Speed control sensor. Ive done one.. Its semi hard but that prolly what it is... I was on mine.

[persquank]

My speedometer goes out on my 02 SPI also. Where can I find this "speed control sensor?" And since it goes on and off, would I need to replace or just try to fix it?

[wendyworm]

hi im new to this... same problem with my 2001 focus.. how do i get it fixed cuz its doin my head in

[GapBoyPCS]

Double check the strength of your battery folks. Since a lot of you seem to be posting with cars that are between 2000 and 2002, batteries tend to last an average of five years. It's been known that a weak battery can cause the zeroing speedometer.

If the radio is going up and down, that's probably the automatic volume control kicking in and out of the radio. If that also happens, it could indicate the speed control sensor is going (the AVC feature automatically increases/decreases volume as speed increases/decreases).

If it is possible, take it to someone (dealer, mechanic) who has all the proper diagnostic/computers. That diagnostic fee associated might just well save you some further aggravation in replacing parts left and right.

[dhelmick]

under misery loves Company...I have the same speedometer problem. Guess I'll trade out batteries first since that's easy and relatively affordable. How much should I expect to pay to have the engine speed sensor replaced?????
-dh

[dhelmick]

new battery. same old problem. somebody owes me $100.00.

[orange52]

I'm having the same problem with my '02. I took it to a local dealer yesterday to have them check it out. They replaced the VSS, speedometer is still broken.
They didn't troubleshoot anything, just replaced the part.
Since no manager was on duty, I have to call back in the morning.
I expected better service.

[KTL0001]

As far as i know replacing the VSS most often solves the problem.
Have the same problem - the pin that secures the VSS can be very difficult to get out - Need to have the car on a lift to get to it so havent gotten to it yet...

Some also solved similar problem by isolating two wires attached to a heat sensor located by the spark plugs. On some cars it is too close to the spark plug wires an cant handle the el. interferrence from the spark plug wires. (Info came from a Ford Service Bulletin)

[jjtritt]

I had the same problem too. I removed the VSS and found metal sludge on the bottom of the sensor. I cleaned it off with brake kleen and a rag, and it worked fine. That was about 60,000 miles ago. Thats just my 2 cents.

[laabdog]

does anyone have a diagram of where it is on 2000 ford focus se. heard it might be under battery box ?? is it hard to replace help please

[Jeremy.r]

I'd be interested in a diagram if anyone has one, I'm seeing the same problem on a 2003 ZX5.