My speedometer in my 1990 SE 5-speed is acting up, often showing 0mph or an incorrect speed. I've determined that it's probably the sensor it runs off of, which is the Vehicle Speed Sensor mounted in the transmission. Nissan gives different part numbers for the Automatic Transmission version (25010-85E10) and the Manual Transmission version (25010-85E00).

I can find the Automatic Transmission version from multiple sources, but can't find the one for Manual Transmission ANYWHERE.

version at all.

Anyone have any idea what the result would be to try to use the Automatic Transmission version in a Manual Transmission car?

 

Randy - you sure it's not just the speedo going crazy? I know I've had multiple go wonky on me over the years. Not sure if you found one, but I might have a spare VSS somewhere.

 

Hi James! No, I'm not sure, and without one to swap, how would you tell? I saw posts indicating that it was likely the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the transmission, and I finally located and bought a new one on Ebay for my manual transmission; not a Nissan part (discontinued) but a 3rd party brand "Import Direct" (also discontinued now).

Having said that, a spare speedometer would be handy to have in case that's what it is. PM me if you have a spare one.
I might take an entire instrument cluster off your hands too, as I have no idea if I'll be able to fix the odometer while I'm in there - it might require parts if mine are broken.

It's so much work to tear down the dash to get the instrument cluster out, plus I'll be getting into the Odometer module to try to fix that too, as wells as swap out the manual Climate Control. I'd highly prefer not to have to do the that tear down more than once. For the same reason I'll probably upgrade the instrument bulbs to LED, they are getting dim.

 

The factory speed sensor is a pretty stout part. There is a way to check its output in the FSM. Chances are, your speedometer is the problem. I have had more than one go bad on me.

 

I HAVE seen the test in my FSM, but it didn't seem to be a very good test. You're supposed to flip the shaft by hand and see it you get .5 volts - not too great to find an intermittent problem. I don't have a lot of confidence that a 'Good' test would mean it's really OK. Since I have since obtained a new sensor, it would not hurt pull it and go ahead the test it that way. Then decide which to put back in.

 

I finally re-flowed the solder joints on the speedometer circuit board which fixed my speedometer problem. You have to solder through a magnifying glass to do it, but 3rd gens are getting pretty scarce and I was on my third speedometer.