Speedometer not working

1998 NISSAN FRONTIER
97,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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FGOERTZ
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I have noticed that the speedometer occasionally does not work. 3 days ago it would read 40mph and stay stuck there regardless if I were driving faster, but it would drop to zero after coming to a stop. No engine light comes on the dashboard. Today it is working fine. Is the problem with the speedometer sensor or speedometer head? No other instruments/gauges are affected. Is there a way to test if the sensor is good or bad without buying a new one and replacing it?
Mar 20, 2008 at 9:57 AM
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MTHDJIM
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See diagram


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/452729_Fontier_Speed_Sensor_Troubleshooting_1.jpg

Dec 23, 2009 at 12:43 AM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like you have a vehicle speed sensor that is going out though I have seen bad connections do this as well. Remove the cluster and unplug it. Then plug it back in again. This will clean the connections helps the cluster work again. Here are some wiring diagrams so you can see how the circuit works.

Use the guide to check the wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

and this to test the fuses

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Nov 10, 2017 at 7:28 PM
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JAMES999
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I have a 1998 Nissan Frontier Pickup, manual transmission, with 95,000 miles on it. Recently, the speedometer has been not working properly. When I start moving the truck, the speedometer needle jumps to 40 MPH and stays there until I stop. After I come to a complete stop, the needle comes back down to zero. All of the other gauges on the instrument panel seem to work, the digital odometer, the fuel gauge and the temperature gauge.
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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FRONTYMAN
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try taking the cluster out and cleaning the contacts with contact cleaner.. its very easy to get the cluster out also...
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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KOOKIEDOO10
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whats the cause of the speedometer not working in a 98 nissan frontier?
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Check and test the vehicle speed sensor.
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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TIM1754
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2002 nissan frontier 4x4 with 3.3 v6 on the highway speedo suddenly stopped working, 30 secs or so later engine started losing power and speed fast. got off the highway and stopped and idled for a little while then took some secondary roads. seemed ok at lower speeds but speedo still didnt work. code showed a knock sensor, Could these two problems be related, or did 1 cause the other? any ideas would be great.
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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If the knock sensor is failing it will retard the ignition timing and cause it to lose power also check the vehicle speed sensor-
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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TIM1754
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thanks for the info about the knock sensor. Thought about the speed sensor as far the speedo goes but didnt think it would affect the engine. will definitely check and/or replace both. thanks again!
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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You're welcomed and thanks for using 2carpros
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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BUCKAROUX
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2002 Nissan Frontier 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 56000 miles

my speedometer quit suddenly and now the cruise control doesnt work
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Get the vehicle speed sensor tested
Nov 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM (Merged)