Speedometer needle

2003 DODGE CARAVAN
Avatar
DAN5667
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Electrical problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 62000 miles
----------------------------------------------------------------
The speedometer needle on my Caravan is now below the peg. It hangs down to about the 7 oclock position. When I open the drivers door it jumps up to about 1/16 inch below the peg. When I turn the ignition switch on it moves tight up against the peg. Odometer still works. No warning lights. No other problems.
Aug 27, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SELF-DIAGNOSTICS The instrument clusters are equipped with a self diagnostic test feature to help identify electronic problems. Prior to any test, perform the Self-Diagnostic Test. The self diagnostic system displays instrument cluster stored fault codes in the odometer display, sweeps the gauges to the calibration points, and bulb checks the warning indicators. When the key is in the ON position with the engine not running, the MIL will remain illuminated for regulatory purposes. To activate the Self-Diagnostic program: 1.With the ignition switch in the OFF position, depress the TRIP ODOMETER RESET button. 2.Continue to hold the TRIP ODOMETER RESET button until Sof and a number (software version number (i.e. Sof 3.2 ) appears in the odometer window then release the button. If a fault code is present, the cluster will display it in the odometer display. When all fault codes have been displayed, the cluster will display "end" in the odometer display. Refer to the INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DTC'S table to determine what each trouble code means.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Clustera_2.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Clusterb_3.jpg

Aug 27, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Avatar
DAN5667
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ran the Trip Odometer Reset procedure. The system ran the cluster calibration and everything is back to normal.
Aug 27, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
Ok great, your welcome....
Aug 28, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Avatar
HTY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
[quote:605b66c9d2="merlin2021"]Ok great, your welcome....[/quote:605b66c9d2] Hi, i tried your procedure with the reset odometer button, but it didn't work, i have a 1996 chrysler intrepid, is it too old to have that program in it?
Mar 15, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
What problems are you having?
Mar 15, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Avatar
HTY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
[quote:821c7f6b94="merlin2021"]What problems are you having?[/quote:821c7f6b94]

I replace the battery in my car, then the speedometer needle jumped to the other side of the peg. then i tried to reset the it by pressing the reset odometer button, but it didn't work somehow. what can i do now? thanks
Mar 15, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
QUICK TEST 1. As a quick diagnosis, instrument cluster will perform a function check immediately after ignition is switched to RUN/START position. Electronic display, odometer/transmission range indicator and all warning lights EXCEPT low fuel, cruise, high beam, fog lamps and turn signal will light for a brief period. 2. If cluster is not receiving CCD bus messages, cluster will appear non-functional except for the continuously illuminated air bag indicator, and NO BUS message displayed. If instrument cluster in not receiving CCD bus messages, see appropriate VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS article. © 2008 Mitchell Repair Information Co., LLC. CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery. WARNING: Disconnect negative battery cable BEFORE servicing instrument panel. When power is required for test purposes, reconnect battery for specific test purpose ONLY. After specific test is completed, disconnect negative battery cable before continuing servicing procedures. Page 1 of 1 INSTRUMENT PANEL - ANALOG -1996 Dodge Intrepid 3/15/2009 http://www.ondemand5.com/mric/common/asp/printart.aspx
Should reset by itself when you turn the key to start.
If not it needs to be scanned, but I would try removing the fuse for the cluster and leave it out for a minute and reinstall it, then retry the key. If that doesnt work, remove the neg battery cable leave off for a minute and retry.
Mar 15, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Avatar
KARENCAREN
  • MEMBER
  • 72 POSTS
I think the last instruction will do it. Maybe your odometer receive a sudden jump of electricity. Removing fuse will most likely reset it to its original position.
Apr 21, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the date on this, It's probably fixed, no further reply made usually indicates a successful repair...
Apr 23, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Avatar
MGIRARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had a similar problem. The test procedure resolve the problem and speed and RPM indicator are operating again.

Thanks,

Michel
Jul 13, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
The answer that keep on giving! Your welcome.
Jul 14, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
We had some quite rain. it was on a Wednesday when my ride was about to go off and it was like jerking back and speedometer was going crazy. when I would come to a stop the speedometer would go back and forth. help me
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
this will be have to scanned for codes, but have a mechanic do it as it sounds like there is water intrusion getting into a module someplace. Because you said it happened when it rained.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
And it also has whining sound and it is jerky like it wants to go off. when at stop when I use heater the speedometer goes to 40 and back to 0. why? help
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
have it scanned for codes at auto parts then get back to us. I still think it is water intrusion. it is hard to understand your questions.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
These are the code it scan on my
P0700 and P2700 what does mean
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
2003 Dodge Caravan Se
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
both of these deal with the transmission and you should take to a trans shop as it may be an internal problem.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
What if I changed the Transmission Fluild
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I gave you's the wrong codes it]
Definition- Code P0700 indicates a Transmission Control System(MIL Request)...
ERROR CODES READ-
P0700 Automatic Transmission Control System Malfunction...
P0720 A/T Output Speed Senor-Low Output Above 15 MPH
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
if you want you can replace the speed sensor the 700 code is a generic code for transmissions it may be aharness problem or tcm which a trans guy should check because it could be more like I said previously. pic shows where speed sensor is. also check the wires. I will be on vacation if any other questions so repost this question if you have other ones.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
SANDI FORNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Interior problem
2003 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 55000 miles

Today I ran an errand and the speedometer was working fine. I parked and when I got in to head home, the speedometer no longer worked. The needle is all the way past the upper zone and is resting against the post that holds the needle below zero. Every other gauge works fine. Is this an easy fix or not? We know very little about cars and want to go to a mechanic with some idea of what needs to be done - thanks!
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BILLYMAC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 2,204 POSTS
Hi sandy
if you disconnect the neg cable for a few mins ,this should reset the speedo. billymac
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I've changed the transmission fluid..but it still jerkys when I come to stop...why
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Hey Rosie,

This sounds like a classic vehicle speed sensor problem. Please replace the sensor and get back to us.

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken


Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CAMONT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Electrical problem
2003 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 130000 miles

My speedometer needle has pegged and won't return to the normal operating position. What should I do?
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BMRFIXIT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 19,053 POSTS
do this 1st :turn ignition off , hold trip reset button and turn key on. After five seconds remove key and continue to hold reset button for five seconds. after five seconds release button and self diagnosis should start
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
XOXDNGNJMLXOX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Interior problem
2003 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

when i stopped to get gas i turned my van off and when i turned it back on my speedometer didnt work and was below the tack it usually sits on when the car is off.. how do i fix this problem without having to spend tons of money
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
CH112063
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,320 POSTS
To fix it your going to have to see why its not working and the fastest way is to try tapping on it, or removing the cluster and checking if there's a loose connection, its part of a module driven by shared computer information, to access this information and test the sensors that give it its signal requires a scan tool, there is one available at the store at a good price, you could just try taking the cluster module out and replacing it, but you would be guessing.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KATHYMCC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
2003 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 115000 miles

what would make the speedometer spin all the way a round an stick to the little peg. an how can i fix it
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
To fix that, slow down! Just kidding. It sounds like you have a bad vehicle speed sensor (VSS).
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JK NOBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
On my 03 caravan sxt the speedometer goes to 20 mph as soon as I put it in reverse or drive, tried the reset function and get e codes 100.2 100.6 and 400.1 what can I do to fix? Problem started when battery went dead and temp, fuel, and speedometer all went hay wire, fuel and temp back to normal.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
check battery for condition including load test then have a pro scan for codes. you have some sort of communication fault it may be because of low battery/dirty terminal ends or there is a short in system
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JK NOBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks Hmac300 for the quick response hopefully I can look into it this evening
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:22 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DIANA VELA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Speedometer, radio, lighter all stopped working. changed fuses number five and fourteen. still does notwork. Help please.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:23 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
scan for codes as it may be a speed sensor for speedometer. check fuses under hood.
Feb 24, 2017 at 2:23 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I got the output speed sensor fix it doesn't jerky anymore ...but speedometer still moves back and forth...should I get the input sensor fix too
Feb 25, 2017 at 7:59 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
If the speedometer moves a little then I would let it go. But if it bothersome then get it fixed.
Feb 27, 2017 at 10:26 AM
Avatar
ROSIE FRANCO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I bought the output senor..the engine symbol went off..for three days and now the engine symbol is back on...why..
Feb 27, 2017 at 11:35 AM