Speedometer and Shifting Problem...

SVXcellent · #1 02-07-2006, 12:28 AM

Checking through this forum, I found quite a few things about speedometer and shifting problems. However, I'm not really sure if what I am experiencing has been mentioned before.

It all started this past Saturday. I was driving towards the freeway when I looked at my speedometer and noticed the needle was just bouncing around 0. When I accelerated, it would just jump to 120 or 130. Now if I could actually go from 0 to 120 that quickly, I'd be excited! But instead, I'm guessing there's a problem. Would this be an electrical issue? Is my speed sensor messed up?

Regardless, I was stuck in traffic on the freeway for quite some time. Eventually when things did clear up, I realized my SVX was feeling a bit sluggish. Even when flooring it, there seemed to be little response. I was going freeway speed (probably 70 I'm guessing, but can't confirm it with the problematic speedometer!) and noticed that my tach was hovering around 3000rpm. In fact, I couldn't get it much past 3000! Apparently my SVX isn't shifting properly! Leaving ihe transmission in "D," the tranny should have shifted and the rpm should have dropped before climbing again during acceleration. Unfortunately that wasn't happening.

While a friend was test-driving the SVX to try and diagnose the problem, he experienced the same things. But while he was fiddling with the manual button, and shifting between "D" and "3," he finally got it to shift like it is supposed to when healthy. We returned to meet up with some people, and when I started the car up again, I was back to having the same shifting problem. Anybody know what the problem may be? When I had the oil changed a few weeks ago, the transmission fluid was still clean and "pink." Is my tranny going to die? Are the speedometer and shifting issues somehow related?

As always, any help and advice will be appreciated!

Earthworm · #2 02-07-2006, 01:07 PM

I would say it's just an issue with the speed sensor. Is your check engine light (CEL) on?

oab_au · #3 02-07-2006, 03:57 PM

The speed sensor in the front diff drives the speedo, it also tells the TCU the speed for the gear changes. When they give trouble the TCU uses the other speed sensor, to do the changes, but not to the same degree, so it changes differently. If it is electrical it should post a code. If it is mechanically it won't. You need to pull the sensor out of the diff case to see what has gone on.

Harvey.

SVXcellent · #4 02-07-2006, 11:39 PM

OOOOH! Intl responses so far! None from the U.S.!

The 'Check Engine Light' had come on on New Year's Eve. It came on when I was driving out, but turned off when I was returning home. Since then, I haven't had any problems with it.

So it seems like you both think it could be the speed sensor affecting both the speedometer and transmission shifting. That sounds like it would be the best case scenario...I wouldn't want to have to replace my tranny (although that would give me a reason for a 5spd swap).

Will there be a way for me to gauge if the problem is indeed the speed sensor if I pull it? I've gotta admit I'm a noob when it comes to even simple auto mechanics. Are the 'codes' that were referred to the number of flashes on 'POWER'? If the speed sensor is dead, anyone know of a working one being available and for what price (I'll probably be posting in the 'wanted/for sale' section then)? Seems like they've been in demand...

Whatever the case, thanks for the insight!

DarknessofDeath · #5 02-08-2006, 05:55 AM

it might be the fuel pump dying on you (not the speedometer problem , i'm talking about) i had the car running really sluggish too for a bit...kind of like it didn't want to go...or it couldn't if it's life depended on it...the engine light did come on and go away shortly after...i couldn't get the car to get past 3000rpms as well..

i'm not saying that it's the problem you have.

Earthworm · #6 02-08-2006, 11:48 AM

Check the SVXipedia on http://svx-iw.com in the codes section on how to check the various SVX error codes.

Check both the Engine (ECU) and Transmission (TCU) codes.

SVXcellent · #7 02-08-2006, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarknessofDeath

it might be the fuel pump dying on you (not the speedometer problem , i'm talking about) i had the car running really sluggish too for a bit...kind of like it didn't want to go...or it couldn't if it's life depended on it...the engine light did come on and go away shortly after...i couldn't get the car to get past 3000rpms as well..

i'm not saying that it's the problem you have.

Hmmmm...that does sound quite similiar; I'll keep it in mind. So I assume you replaced the fuel pump and the problem was fixed? I just hope I don't have to break my bank to remedy the probs!