[ripcord]

I have had my 1998 Mustang convertible 3.8L since it was new. I bought it for my daughter who was in college and when she graduated I kept the Mustang and bought her an Expedition. I am interested in this forum because I would like to maintain the Mustang as close to its original condition as aging will allow. The car has been well maintained but does have issues. I have never cared for the suspension and would like a firmer feel and to make changes that might prevent the suspension from "bottoming out" even when it has a light load.

My most immediate proble is that, while the odometer still operates, the speedometer is erratically spinning or not working at all. I know the speed sensor can be replace or the cable, but do not not know how to check what might be needed. Are there connections that can be cleaned and reseated, lubricants or other "easy fixes?

Thank you for welcoming me to your forum, Tim.

[neighbors h8 me]

There is no cable,just the sensor.Check the gear on the sensor for damaged or missing teeth.If the gear is damaged,make sure you get the same color gear from your local ford dealer,if not the speedo will be off.Also,you did not mention if it,s automatic or 5 speed.If it is a 5 speed the gear on the output shaft could be damaged.automatics have the output shaft gear machined into the shaft.But I think that the speedo head is probably bad.In which case you could buy a new speedo(and you can only buy a new one,most state laws don't allow sales of used ones.),or you could go to the ford dealer and have them send it for repair.Let me know if this info. is helpful,then we can talk suspension,there are sooo many options.P.S. Welcome!

[Faledask]

I had the same problem with my 1998. I ended up changing out the speed sensor and the little plastic gear on the speed sensor. Come to find out one of my speed calibrator's wires was loose. I took it in to a shop to find that one out. The grand total for them reattaching one wire was.......... $111.75 highway robbery!