Perhaps this question goes out to the electrical types.

Last week my speedo and odo stop working completely. Cruise does not function. Based on reading old threads, this indicates the gauge cluster or sensor problem, and not the ECU.
1) I changed speedo sensors with a good used one. No change.
2) I checked the resistance through the sensor circuit at connector 50 (above the ECU) = 288Ohms. Within spec.
3) I checked the continuity of the cluster to ECU wire.
4) I removed the gauge cluster, disassembled it, found nothing abnormal, and reassembled it. I hoped that the disconnect/reconnect would solve any poor connections, but no change. Actually, it did change; a couple of gauge backlights are no longer lighting up *grrrr*.

Where should I look next? I was thinking to probe at connector 50 again with my ac voltmeter and verify a signal from the sensor, and maybe also remove the cluster and verify 5v power to the cluster.

Dave

 

I know they're frustrating. As you probably already know the head itself usually fails. I guess try a known good speedo head (used or new). The speed sensors are usuaaly pretty reliable.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I thought I remember reading that the head can be fixed, but when I had it apart I couldn't tell how to take it apart without damaging it. (Probably by design to avoid tampering).

So if I get a new speedo head, what can I do to set the mileage correctly?

I also have a feeling that having an SE means they will be much harder to find.

 

If your worried about accurate mileage you'll need to buy one from the dealer because they have to set that and they'll need your VIN number for their records. That would be about $200 list. If your not as concerned, you can find used gauge cluster on EBAY and just switch out the head.

 

I believe fuse #10 (I think). I had a short that would blow this fuse. This fuse controlls the Odo and Speed and I think the temp guage.

Good luck!

 

Actually I think it's fuse 13, in the panel under the drivers' console. It was ok.

Dave

 

Haha, the local dealer wants $153 to install a new $250 speedo/odo head. Before I spend $400 I'm going to do some serious DIY attempts.

Has anyone managed to repair their broken speedo head? I had it out of the cluster but I couldn't figure out how to take it apart w/o breaking the whole thing.

Dave

 

When you say "a new speedo head" do you mean the vehicle speed sensor in the transmission?

Not that this has any real bearing on your problem but every once in a while my odometer/trip meter will stop working on my beater, but the speedometer always works fine as does the cruise. Infact the last few days my odometer has not been working, and it didn't work for a couple months last year, then it worked for the last 6-9 months or so. Seems to be intermittent.

Anyhow if you need a new vehicle speed sensor to go in the transmission, I have one.

 

Actually I replaced the sensor with a good spare. That circuit has continuity and the sensor is showing the appropriate resistance. I might yet try testing for signal at the cluster with the front wheels lifted and rolling.

Currently the odometer, trip odometer, and speedometer are not functioning. They all quit at the same time.

I considered taking it apart to look for cold solder joints the other day, but turned around when I got to the anti-tampering part. I figured it was worth reassembling to test if it was simply a tired electrical connection. Unfortunately that didn't fix it.

What I'm really after is any advice or experience in repairing the speedo head. I don't want to trash it if at all possible.

Dave