speedometer on the fritz

Will · #1 08-10-2012, 06:40 PM

the issue started a few weeks ago. when it started it would read correctly under throttle. as soon as i took my foot off accelerator it would drop to zero. now it doesn't read at all but when i go above around 60mph it will speraticaly jump up to between 20-40mph without holding. this happens every few seconds. It seems to me there is a short. is this something that should be fixed professionally and if so what should i expect to be charged?

kwren · #2 08-10-2012, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will

the issue started a few weeks ago. when it started it would read correctly under throttle. as soon as i took my foot off accelerator it would drop to zero. now it doesn't read at all but when i go above around 60mph it will speraticaly jump up to between 20-40mph without holding. this happens every few seconds. It seems to me there is a short. is this something that should be fixed professionally and if so what should i expect to be charged?

professionally??

Not much chance of that. Rarely can you take a SVX to a mechanic that would know anything about the car at all, must less the electrical testing.

Sorry

Hopefully someone here would have a clue.

Keith

kwren · #3 08-10-2012, 07:31 PM

Maybe vehicle speed sensor

I am sure someone here will know and can help you.

Keith

Hocrest · #4 08-10-2012, 07:50 PM

Does the odometer work consistently, or does it only roll when the speedo needle is working.

If the odometer is always working, then your speed sensor is fine and the problem is in the speedometer assembly. The best option will be to find a used cluster and swap them.

showoval · #5 08-11-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hocrest

Does the odometer work consistently, or does it only roll when the speedo needle is working.

If the odometer is always working, then your speed sensor is fine and the problem is in the speedometer assembly. The best option will be to find a used cluster and swap them.

You still didn't answer his question, no point in changing out something if its not the problem. I just changed out my speedometer head only last week from another cluster I had because my odometer still worked so I knew my speed sensor was fine. My old speedo would read anywhere from15-60 mph off depending on the temp outside.

Will · #6 08-11-2012, 01:13 PM

well it turns out my odometer isn't running either now so speed sensor will be the first replacement. I would appreciate a part # and maybe a good how to link from whoever has one in the archives. My phone here is my only source of internet for the time being. scrubbing the forum on a phone can be a real pain on the butt...
thanks for the help folks!!

Will · #7 08-10-2012, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwren

professionally??

Not much chance of that. Rarely can you take a SVX to a mechanic that would know anything about the car at all, must less the electrical testing.

Sorry

Hopefully someone here would have a clue.

Keith

I guess the professional question was a bit humorous.
as i have had nothing but bad experiences with anything done to my car by anyone other than me and my comrades. Im just hesitant to work on anything electrical.
So i guess my next move is to search for a new cluster. My next question is will any yr cluster gauge work and also how BIG of a job is this to replace??

thanks Dave;Keith.

1986nate · #8 08-10-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will

I guess the professional question was a bit humorous.
as i have had nothing but bad experiences with anything done to my car by anyone other than me and my comrades. Im just hesitant to work on anything electrical.
So i guess my next move is to search for a new cluster. My next question is will any yr cluster gauge work and also how BIG of a job is this to replace??

thanks Dave;Keith.

any year cluster will work.
They're not too bad to change out. You need to remove the 2 clusters of switches to the left and right "under" the cluster surround. Behind each of those is a screw. Then there are 2 screws mounted "upwards" through the cluster surround. Once those are removed, tilt the steering wheel all the way down. This will allow you to pull the surround out. Then there are 4 screws holding the cluster in place. It will just "pop" out with a firm even pull. Install is the reverse.

Hocrest · #9 08-10-2012, 09:15 PM

I think someone just posted up an illustrated "how-to" to completely disassemble the cluster so you could swap the speedo and keep your odo. Or you can try to find a cluster with mileage similar to yours.

edit, found it; http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...ht=speedometer