2000 Ford focus & intermittent speedometer

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joes1girl - 09 May 2005 19:23 GMT

I've purchased a 2000 Ford Focus. Sometimes while driving the Speedometer
goes out on me. The arm just falls down and the mileage meter just stops
keeping track. Then out of nowhere (and a few miles later) it will kick
back on. Has anybody ever heard of this problem? My service center is
having a hard time diagnosing this problem since it never recreates itself
for them.

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Dave Gower - 09 May 2005 20:22 GMT

> I've purchased a 2000 Ford Focus. Sometimes while driving the Speedometer
> goes out on me. The arm just falls down and the mileage meter just stops
> keeping track. Then out of nowhere (and a few miles later) it will kick
> back on. Has anybody ever heard of this problem? My service center is
> having a hard time diagnosing this problem since it never recreates itself
> for them.

Sounds like an intermittant electrical fault from the speed sensor to the
computer (less likely between the computer and the speedometer). Have they
cleaned the contacts on the sensor and checked the wires for damage?

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joes1girl - 12 May 2005 19:37 GMT

My boss' son is Ford Certified. Right off the bat he stated that the
instrument cluster needs to be replaced. My boss turned around and
suggesed as you did to clean the contacts or see if it was even connected
to the "cluster" correctly. I suggested both of these to my service
center (who I will be seeing this upcoming Monday) and he was none to
pleased (that I did research). I won't even go into that. Thanks for
your help. I'll bring your recommendations with me.

Beth

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Chris Whelan - 09 May 2005 21:42 GMT

Very well known and documented fault with the Focus. It's a
failure of the VSS - Vehicle Speed Sensor. You will find loads of
information if you Google this ng.

Bottom line, in the UK the sensor costs about £25 and is a bit
fiddly to change. A dealer charges around £100 for the privilege.
I'm guessing you might be the wrong side of the pond for this to
help much though.....

Chris

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joes1girl - 12 May 2005 19:42 GMT

Yup, I'm on the other side of the pond. I will google the VSS. Thank you
so much for your response. And I'm sure my mechanic will thank you as
well. (sarcasm) LOL.

Beth

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