About two weeks ago my speedo started to messup. At first it would not start working untel around 20 mph. Then last monday when I got in to go home from work it would not work at all. {as the road that I take home is only 55mph and I only live 3 miles from work}. Tusday when I went to town the speed limet is 65. As soon as I got over 60 the started working for anytrhing over that. I replaced the speed sensor but that did not help. any ideas on what to try next ?
Only thing I can think of are to check the wires for a short. If thats not it then you could have a bad speedometer. Im just making an educated guess here.
The instrument cluster self-diagnostic test will put the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the CCD data bus message-controlled indicator lamps are capable of operating as designed.
However, there may still be a problem with the CCD data bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), or the inputs to one of these electronic control modules. Use a DRBIII® scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual for testing of these components. NOTE: If a CCD data bus message is not received by the instrument cluster for twenty seconds, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will flash and a "no bus" message will appear in the VFD odometer display.
Begin the test with the ignition switch in the Off position.
Depress the trip odometer reset button.
While holding the trip odometer reset button depressed, turn the ignition switch to the On position, but do not start the engine.
Keep the trip odometer reset button depressed for about ten seconds, until CHEC appears in the odometer display, then release the odometer reset button.
A series of three-digit numeric failure messages may appear in the odometer display, depending upon the failure mode. If a failure message appears, see the Instrument Cluster Failure Message chart for the description and proper correction. If no failure message appears, the self-diagnostic test will proceed as described in Step 6.
The instrument cluster will begin the odometer walking segment test. This test will require the operator to visually inspect each odometer segment as it is displayed to determine a pass or fail condition. First, all of the segments will be illuminated at once; then, each individual segment of the odometer display will be illuminated in sequence. If any segment in the display fails to illuminate, repeat the test to confirm the failure. If the failure is confirmed, replace the faulty instrument cluster. Following the odometer walking segment test, the self-diagnostic test will automatically proceed as described in Step 7.
The instrument cluster will perform a bulb check of each indicator lamp that the instrument cluster circuitry controls. If the wait-to-start indicator lamp does not illuminate during this test, the instrument cluster should be removed. However, check that the incandescent lamp bulb is not faulty and that the bulb holder is properly installed on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board before considering instrument cluster replacement. If the bulb and bulb holder check OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster. Each of the remaining instrument cluster circuitry controlled indicators are illuminated by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) If an LED fails to illuminate during this test, the instrument cluster must be replaced. Following the bulb check test, the self-diagnostic test will automatically proceed as described in Step 8.
The instrument cluster will perform a gauge actuator test. In this test the instrument cluster circuitry positions each of the gauge needles at three different calibration points, then returns the gauge needles to their relaxed positions. If an individual gauge does not respond properly, or does not respond at all during the gauge actuator test, the instrument cluster should be removed. However, check that the gauge terminal pins are properly inserted through the spring-clip terminal pin receptacles on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board before considering instrument cluster replacement. If the gauge terminal connections are OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster.
The self-diagnostic test is now completed. The instrument cluster will automatically exit the self-diagnostic mode and return to normal operation at the completion of the test, if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position during the test, or if a vehicle speed message indicating that the vehicle is moving is received from the PCM on the CCD data bus during the test.
Go back to Step 1 to repeat the test, if required.
I have the same problem on my 1998 1500 5.2L. I have read elsewhere that you can't pull codes from instrument cluster and that you need to have the DRBIII to read them. Does anyone know if this is true of the '98 Rams? If anyone resolves there speedo issue on this thread, please do inform how you fixed.