On my most recent purchase, an '88 240 DL, the speedometer and odometer don't work. It seems like I read somewhere that there's a gear that needs to be replaced. I'm assuming that this car has an electronic speedo, not the cable driven one (stopped in '85 I think). If anyone has the procedure for fixing this it would be very helpful to me.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

the speedo is electric, so replacing the gears won't help. the gears are to fix the odometer only, because the speedo turns the odo as it operates. you PROBABLY need the speedo sender in the rear end. it might also be the connector on the sender. otherwise it's the speedo itself or a voltage problem in the dash. it could be you have a dead odo, also. we won't know that until the speedo works. fyi-to keep from killing the odometer, do not push the reset button for the trip odo while in motion. the numbers roll backwards when resetting and so the car has to be still, unless you are LITERALLY backing up the car. good luck, chuck.

Hi Chuck,

When I tap on the dash, the speedo will start working again. I guess that this means I need to replace it. I have one from an '87 that has a nonworking odometer. Maybe I could just replace the gear in that one and be good to go. Is there anyway to change the mileage to what the ' 88 has?

Thanks,
Dave

If the speedo works after mild percussive maintenance is applied to the dash above it, the problem is likely some oxidation on the contacts where the lead from the rear axle speed sendor connects on the back of the speedo.

The little gear that breaks is brittle with age, a swap may not be a long-term cure. There is a place where the gear may be purchased separately. It's been so long since I bought two that I cannot find the place. I know there is a speedo repair shop in Austin, TX and, hopefully, another brickster will provide the contact info.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)