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Intermittent Speedo

02/18/2007    


I observed some funny speedo behavior (the car - this is not about sports clothing) this evening, as I was on the freeway. At about 75, the needle started fluttering, and would drop to about 50, then pop back to 75. It did this a dozen times or so, that I noticed, and then traffic got heavy and I had other things to think about. It seemed to be more frequent when I was crossing rough patches in the pavement.

Might it be an electrical connection that is coming loose? I've also been getting some intermittent ABS light - could this be related?

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Brad Bender
99 TR/Tan 83k welded
V8SHO List Moderator
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Hi Brad,
You would be correct to think they could be related. The speedo gets its signal from the ABS controller. Could be loose connection at the controller located under the battery, or possibly a corroded connection seeing as its intermittent. You could disco the controller connector and inspect for any green colored pins in the connector and if so use a good contact cleaner. I've found that battery post cleaner in an aerosol spray can works great as it dissolves the corrosion. If none, reconnect connector but apply di-electric grease to pins to prevent any corrosion and to seal out moisture. Also, a good ignition wire sealer (silicone based, also in aerosol can) sprayed on the outside of the connector will also prevent corrosion and any water entry. I have found in a few instances that water has entered the connector (because of its proximity to the radiator and the connector facing the front of the car) and has caused some minor corrosion on the pin outs of the body harness connector, not the controller. Hope this helps you find the issue and correct it.


Keep a tight line /`````````````<'{(((< !

John H Fiegel

96 MG - #777 - Cam Failure
96 MG - #735 - Cam Failure - Resurrected & welded
98 ES - Tangle with ditch and LOST! - Helped resurrect 96 SHO W/91K ( GOD BLESS HER SOUL! )
68 Cougar XR7
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I had corroded pins on the 99.. Cleaned them and applied dielectric. Always continued to have intermittent issues from a LF wheel speed sensor code until eventually the speedo would drop to zero at various times (tranny gets real dumb then too). I ended up replacing the ABS module and all my problems went away.

Scott K
(Beaker)
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Seems to be a connector design issue as I've seen this on all 4 model years. Not as many on 96's for some reason, but more from 97 and up. I've taken a somewhat pro active stance on them now when servicing the ABS systems on these cars and clean and apply the grease to all. It seems to be working as the one's that are returning for service are not having any speedo issue's yet. If you end up needing a controller Brad, let me know off-list as I have a few of them, Both used and new. Hope our posts have helped.


Keep a tight line /`````````````<'{(((< !

John H Fiegel

96 MG - #777 - Cam Failure
96 MG - #735 - Cam Failure - Resurrected & welded
98 ES - Tangle with ditch and LOST! - Helped resurrect 96 SHO W/91K ( GOD BLESS HER SOUL! )
68 Cougar XR7
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Thanks John and Scott. I'll take a look when I get a chance.

Brad Bender
99 TR/Tan 83k welded
V8SHO List Moderator 


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