Howdy,

Long time listener, first time caller.

Having some issues with my 04 TJ lately. Over the past several days it's been raining non stop. The only thing or things that have happened recently are.


I got my inspection done, smog, ect
I ran thru a big puddle in the street due to all the rain. (not flooded, just standing water)


Here are the symptoms the jeep is having right now. This all started 14 hours ago.

On the way home from work yesterday, the speedo needle started bouncing all over the place. Never bounced faster than my actual speed, but it would fall 10-20 mph below my current speed.

When I got home I did some research and figured it was my speedo gear. I was going to check it today.

Got in the jeep this morning to head to work. When I started down the street, my speedo gear wasnt working. It stayed on "0"

My odometer stopped working. It just held on the current mile, never changed.

Then my check engine light came on.

All gauges: oil, temp, gas, battery held just fine. No fluxuation with them.

When I push the clutch in after going highway speeds the RPM's would fall really really low. The engine stalled out 4 times on the way to the office due to low RPMs.

I haven't had time yet this morning to have any codes pulled. Any suggestions as to what could be causing this? Possibly something from the inspection I had done 3 days ago? Or something with the VSS?

Any help would be great. The wifey is going to be pissed if I end up working on this thing all V-day weekend! :mad3:

Thanks fella's

Specs on the jeep, so I dont get asked:

04 TJ, 40k miles, 5 speed, 4.0, 231 t-case.

the cluster craps out often.

but with all the rain and puddle jumping you may have a problem with the vss.

easy to change just find a buddy with a similar equipped jeep and swap it out for a test,it will only take 10 min and a 1/2 wrench and that way you wont be buying any parts you dont need

When the same thing happened in my YJ, I had gotten water in the harness at the computer connection on the drivers fender. I disconnected the harness, dried both sides and no more problem.

Don't know if your computer is even in the same spot, but if it is, it's worth a look.

When the same thing happened in my YJ, I had gotten water in the harness at the computer connection on the drivers fender. I disconnected the harness, dried both sides and no more problem.

Don't know if your computer is even in the same spot, but if it is, it's worth a look.

interesting, never even thought that could be the issue. I'll check it out.

Pulled the codes tonight. P0500 VSS ...ugh. Easy fix I guess. Anyone know where I can get one. Advanced Auto can have one in 3 days for $50 bucks.

pull vss and computer harness and dryit out first befor u replace a good part with autozone junk. also try the dealer for the vss. s/o parts are usually close in price to dealer.

pull vss and computer harness and dryit out first befor u replace a good part with autozone junk. also try the dealer for the vss. s/o parts are usually close in price to dealer.

Thanks. When I pull it tomorrow, should I use some quick dry spray, a blow drier on "cool", or just let it sit and dry naturally?

Shouldn't matter if you help it dry. If you wind up taking the gear assembly out realize that if you put it back in incorrectly your speedo will not work. You will have to make sure the gears sending the signal mesh with the gears on the shaft of the transfer case.

Got under the jeep this morning. Found the problem. It wasn't water, but a chewed up gear. I wonder how the hell this happened.



http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq53/niceface82/speedogear.jpg



http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq53/niceface82/speedogear2.jpg



Swapped in a spare gear I had, Reset the computer, test drove it. Speedo works again, doesn't die, and engine light is off. Problem solved. But now I need to find another spare gear.