Speed sensor still wont work

tpearl · 12-03-2008, 05:54 PM

I have a 1997 Chevy 1500 4wd with a 350 engine. About a month ago my tach and speedometer started acting sporadic. Then they just stop working. I also noticed that the truck seems to not be shifting. When I drove it on the highways it sounded as if it was still in 1st. I was told by my local NAPA that it was probably the speed sensor. I changed it and it is still not working. Im not sure what to do from here.

Any ideas??

mudseeker · 12-03-2008, 09:14 PM

i am willing to bet it is your ignition switch. i have the same truck and sounds like a problem i had.
electrical nightmare

tpearl · 12-04-2008, 08:42 AM

I am not much of a maintenance person but I am learning.

I dont understand what the ignition switch would have to do with it?? Its not that I dont believe you I just dont understand.

mudseeker · 12-04-2008, 08:47 AM

the contacts on the switch burn out, when i pulled mine out i decided to break it apart and all the contacts were burnt, too bad it wasn't made to come apart or i could have fixed it and saved about $100 or so. you have about 10 wires or so that come off your switch, some of those wires send a signal to the cluster.

let me see if i can find a trouble shooting guide for you. BRB

mudseeker · 12-04-2008, 08:56 AM

here you go. check for power at your trans 20 fuse.
Tech Tips 10/2004

leolkfrm · 12-04-2008, 10:27 AM

A scan while driving should pinpoint the problem.

tpearl · 12-08-2008, 03:56 PM

Thanks for your help.

mudseeker · 12-08-2008, 08:30 PM

did you solve the problem?

tpearl · 12-13-2008, 05:36 PM

Not yet.

any idea how difficult it is to change an ignitions switch?? I don't have a lot of experience and did not know if I should attempt myself.

mudseeker · 12-13-2008, 05:53 PM

it's not too bad, i might have write up on here. if i don't then i could do a quick one on monday with a few pics. i have a bad memory, so be sure to remind me on sunday night or monday morning.

the worst part is getting to the connection under the dash, there is a structural bar that gets in the way.

12-03-2008, 05:54 PM	#1
tpearl Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	Speed sensor still wont work I have a 1997 Chevy 1500 4wd with a 350 engine. About a month ago my tach and speedometer started acting sporadic. Then they just stop working. I also noticed that the truck seems to not be shifting. When I drove it on the highways it sounded as if it was still in 1st. I was told by my local NAPA that it was probably the speed sensor. I changed it and it is still not working. Im not sure what to do from here. Any ideas??

12-03-2008, 09:14 PM	#2
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,317	i am willing to bet it is your ignition switch. i have the same truck and sounds like a problem i had. electrical nightmare __________________ i'd rather be hunting

12-04-2008, 08:47 AM	#4
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,317	the contacts on the switch burn out, when i pulled mine out i decided to break it apart and all the contacts were burnt, too bad it wasn't made to come apart or i could have fixed it and saved about $100 or so. you have about 10 wires or so that come off your switch, some of those wires send a signal to the cluster. let me see if i can find a trouble shooting guide for you. BRB __________________ i'd rather be hunting Last edited by mudseeker; 12-04-2008 at 08:58 AM.

12-04-2008, 08:56 AM	#5
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,317	here you go. check for power at your trans 20 fuse. Tech Tips 10/2004 __________________ i'd rather be hunting

12-04-2008, 10:27 AM	#6
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,225	A scan while driving should pinpoint the problem. __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

12-04-2008, 08:42 AM	#3
tpearl Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	I am not much of a maintenance person but I am learning. I dont understand what the ignition switch would have to do with it?? Its not that I dont believe you I just dont understand.

12-08-2008, 03:56 PM	#7
tpearl Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	Thanks for your help.

12-08-2008, 08:30 PM	#8
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,317	did you solve the problem? __________________ i'd rather be hunting

12-13-2008, 05:36 PM	#9
tpearl Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	Not yet. any idea how difficult it is to change an ignitions switch?? I don't have a lot of experience and did not know if I should attempt myself.

12-13-2008, 05:53 PM	#10
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 6,317	it's not too bad, i might have write up on here. if i don't then i could do a quick one on monday with a few pics. i have a bad memory, so be sure to remind me on sunday night or monday morning. the worst part is getting to the connection under the dash, there is a structural bar that gets in the way. __________________ i'd rather be hunting

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