AutoCodes – Ford – P1039 Ford

P1039 Ford Code - Vehicle Speed Signal Missing or Improper

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1039 Ford indicates Vehicle Speed Signal Missing or Improper.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 23,361

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 19, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1039 Ford Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Vehicle Speed Sensor. The ECM sets the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) when the Vehicle Speed Sensor is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P1039 Ford - Vehicle Speed Signal Missing or Improper - AutoCodes.com — P1039 Ford Code - Vehicle Speed Signal Missing or Improper

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1039 Ford?

Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor
Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted
Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1039 Ford?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1039 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1039 Ford code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1039 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1039 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1039 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1039 in a Ford vehicle?

The common symptoms include erratic speedometer readings, cruise control not working, transmission shifting issues, and the check engine light being illuminated.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1039 in a Ford vehicle?

The code P1039 usually indicates a problem with the vehicle speed sensor or its circuit. Potential causes include a faulty speed sensor, damaged wiring, or a defective speedometer cluster.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1039 in my Ford vehicle?

Diagnosing the issue involves checking the vehicle speed sensor's electrical connections, inspecting the sensor for physical damage, and testing the sensor's output using a multimeter.

4. Can a bad vehicle speed sensor cause other problems besides triggering OBDII code P1039 in a Ford vehicle?

Yes, a faulty vehicle speed sensor can cause issues with the vehicle's speedometer accuracy, cruise control functionality, and transmission shifting behavior.

5. What is the typical repair process for fixing OBDII code P1039 in a Ford vehicle?

The repair process usually involves replacing the faulty vehicle speed sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, and clearing the error code using an OBDII scanner.

6. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting OBDII code P1039 in a Ford vehicle?

DIY enthusiasts can start by visually inspecting the vehicle speed sensor and its wiring for any obvious signs of damage before proceeding to test the sensor's functionality.

7. Can OBDII code P1039 in a Ford vehicle be safely ignored?

Ignoring the code is not recommended, as it can lead to inaccurate speedometer readings and potentially affect the vehicle's overall performance.

8. How critical is it to address OBDII code P1039 promptly in a Ford vehicle?

Promptly addressing the code is important to ensure the vehicle's speed-related systems are functioning correctly and to prevent any potential safety hazards on the road.

9. Is it possible to reset or clear OBDII code P1039 in a Ford vehicle without fixing the underlying issue?

While it is possible to clear the code using an OBDII scanner, the underlying issue causing the code will persist until properly diagnosed and repaired.

10. What should I do if OBDII code P1039 keeps reappearing in my Ford vehicle after repair attempts?

If the code keeps reappearing, it indicates that the underlying issue has not been fully resolved. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional help for a more thorough diagnosis and repair.