I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid and something happened the other day. First, the Speedometer stayed at “0”. Then, the “check engine” light came on. However, during all these, the car was fine and engine was running smoothly. Could anyone tell me what could be wrong? Also, could the “check engine” light come on because of the confusion caused by the Speedometer or could it be something else? Would this be an expensive repair? To add it all, my car is due for an emission test. Would this cause the test to fail? Thanks.
2006-09-19 01:47:25 · 9 answers · asked by S L 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds like a bad speedometer cable or a speed sending unit depending upon what your car is equipped with; both are easily replaced. It is possible that the check engine light is related to the speedometer since the computer monitors speed in relation to a litany of other functions. This should not affect an emission test. You can purchase a handheld diagnostic computer to check the "check engine light." You will be given a code which relates to why the check engine light came on. Cross reference this code to see if it is related to your speedometer issue. Some places will test your check engine light for free.
The autozone website lists both an input & output side speed sensor for your vehcile (depending upon which engine your car has there are various part numbers). Both sensors are listed under $25,
2006-09-19 01:49:30 · answer #1 · answered by Kenneth S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your model has a speed sensor located on the transmission that sends electronic signals to the motorized speedometer on the dash it sounds like this sensor has gone out check the wiring harness that goes to your transmission make sure the connections (plugs) are tight if they are you need to replace the sensor.This sensor also sends info to your A B S system that's prob why your light is on. but don't worry, your brakes will not fail they just revert to non A B S I hope this helped. If you have a Auto Zone where you live they will do a computer check for you for free this will save you $80.00 Good luck!
2006-09-19 09:12:49 · answer #2 · answered by Lots of money but no sense 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The speedometer cable is most likely broken and needs to be replaced. As for the check engine light coming on, yes, it could be caused by the broken cable. I wouldn't think that fixing that cable would be an expensive repair and it shouldn't have anything to do with the test failing unless other things are checked than just the omission.
2006-09-19 08:53:09 · answer #3 · answered by Diana C 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There are two output speed sensors on that vehicle. One has gone bad!! It is not all that expensive a repair, it just requires replacing a sensor. I always replace both at the same time, just to be sure!!
The bad sensor will cause a check engine light, and may cause the transmission to go into limp in mode, so get it fixed ASAP!
2006-09-19 10:03:03 · answer #4 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Newer cars do not use a cable anymore to tell speed. It is from a sending unit. Your cars computer talks with every sensor thousands of times per second. If the sending unit at the speed sensor failed it would then send a signal to "check engine". Take it to a dodge dealer and have them hook it up to the testing computer. It may be the only problem but plan on spending $200 just to be tested.
2006-09-19 08:51:28 · answer #5 · answered by golgofrinchian 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you may have a problem with the speed sensor that sends the signal to the digital readout that you are going at whatever velocity that you are driving,it could be as simple as a wire that is loose or a speed sensor that is bad ,since you only mentioned the loss of the speedometor reading and no drivability problems ,you should be fine,the check engine light came on probably indicating that there is no presence of speedand it should be fixed soon,hope that I was able to help you,delmy d.
2006-09-19 09:27:42 · answer #6 · answered by delmy d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Looks like your speedometer cable has become unplugged...And as most cars have them blasted "brains" now, the check engine light comes on...However, it shouldn't hurt your emissions test...One thing I can suggest, get it fixed ASAP, or you will be getting speeding tickets...
2006-09-19 08:56:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
sounds like you vehicle speed sensor died...it will cause your gauge to stop working and a check engine light to come on.
you should be fine with the emmisions test.
and the snesor is usually not to bad to change and you can pick it up a your local parts store..
2006-09-19 11:25:07 · answer #8 · answered by turner32542 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can take it to Auto Zone and get the engine check light tested for free.
2006-09-19 08:52:42 · answer #9 · answered by little fairy lady 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋