1997 ford taurus speedometer and odometer dont work. I changed the vss in the transmission, but that wasn't the problem.

What sensor ? VSS - vehicle speed sensor on the transmission ? Colud be the speedometer gauge is bad . Do you know how the insturment cluster get's that info. ? Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop . You have no idea how it works , don't have the diagnostic tool's to find the problem ,so do yourself a favor . The first step would be to hook up a factory or professional type scan tool to see if the VSS info is seen in the VCM ,then to see what the VCM is sending over the serial data network . Do you know what a serial data communication network is ? VCM is vehicle control module .
Speedometer and Odometer Circuit Description
An electronic speedometer is standard equipment on all models. Integrated circuits control the air core speedometer and the stepper motor odometer. Removable bulb and socket assemblies provide the lighting. The socket assembly inserts into the back of the instrument cluster.
The speedometer system consists of the following components:
• The instrument cluster
• The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) calibrator
• The VSS
• The related wiring
The VSS calibration is part of the VCM that changes the analog output from the VSS to a digital signal. The digital signal contains 4000 pulses per mile (PPM) for the instrument cluster. The VCM sends the signal to the speedometer through CKT 389. The VSS calibration matches to the final drive and the tire size of each vehicle. Reprogram the VCM with the proper VSS calibration if the final drive or tire size changes for any reason. The signal will not be accurate for the proper speedometer/odometer operation if the necessary change is not made. An incorrect VSS calibrator can also affect the following components:
• The antilock brakes
• The vehicle control module (VCM)
The cruise control systems
The VSS calibration is programmed into the VCM. Do not service the VSS calibrator separately.
The VSS is a permanent magnet signal generator that sends an analog signal proportional to the propeller shaft speed to the VCM. The VSS mounts to the transmission tailshaft extension housing on the two-wheel drive model. The VSS mounts to the transfer case output shaft housing on the all-wheel drive models.


Use a Scan Tool in order to read the vehicle control module (VCM) diagnostic trouble codes.
Are there any vehicle speed sensor related trouble codes?
Testing an not guessing fixes problems

indicates a VSS problem or TCM
take it to an accredited auto transmission specialist for a proper diagnosis

computer probly needs to be flashed or reprogrammd to sync w new motor---some independent shops have the factory gear to do this-dealers only go back like 5yrs

speedometer cable is bad, replace with new one

Make sure all wires to the transmission are connected. From there, change out the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) On the transmission's tailshaft. If it's still not working, you need to open up the dash and make sure it's all well connected.

You need to replace the VSS or vehicle speed sensor. Located on LH, lefthand rear of transmission.

Sheilah

CH# FUSES

INSPECT YOUR SPEEDO CABLE, IS IT BROKEN?????, IF NOT THEN IT'S YOUR SPEEDO HEAD BROKEN....IF YOURS IS ELECTRONIC THEN CHECK THE SENSOR AT THE TRANS "VSS" SENSOR...WITH OUT TEST EQUIP. JUST REPLACE IT AND RETEST.....gl

does your cruise control work? If not, check the wiring from the VSS to the speedo cluster. Check VSS connector closely for pin pudhout or corrosion

Sometimes, the VSS siganl is converted by the instrument cluster and sent to the PCM and speedo.

Check engine light on?


Speedometer
The electronic speedometer (17255) receives a speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) (9E731). This sensor is also used to sense vehicle speed for the engine management system and to regulate the cruise control when equipped.
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Vehicle Speed Sensor The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) (Figure 53) is a variable reluctance or Hall-effect type sensor that generates a waveform with a frequency that is proportional to the speed of the vehicle. If the vehicle is moving at a relatively low velocity, the sensor produces a signal with a low frequency. As the vehicle velocity increases, the sensor generates a signal with a higher frequency. The PCM uses the frequency signal generated by the VSS (and other inputs) to control such parameters as fuel injection, ignition control, transmission/transaxle shift scheduling and torque converter clutch scheduling.

My nephew has a 96 taurus also when his radio went out he noticed that his speedometer was not working as well so we check the fuses under the dashboard and found that a fuse from the radio memory was blown . We replaced it and the radio and speedometer and the odometer worked fine