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Speedometer Troubleshooting (electric) 200 1986

Used to be that the odometer didn't work. I pulled it apart, replaced the gear, remove and bypass the temp. comp. board, and swap a couple of bulbs while I'm back there. Also added a 52mm tachometer at the same time if that could be relevant. All is well for a few days.

Then, while driving, the speedometer starts dropping to zero and popping back up to speed. Intermittent problem. I fiddled with the connector and it seems to help. Also, banging on the top of the dash seemed to help. Now the speedometer and odometer refuse to work at all.

What'd I mess up? The electrical connector only goes on one way, but I must admit it's pretty cheesy. I'm thinking that I disturbed some connection, electrical or mechanical, down in the speedo when I had it apart for the gear. I recall adding a little petroleum jelly to replace the 22y/o dried up grease.

-Will

Also on the list is diagnosing a non-functional rear defroster (light doesn't come on). That should be pretty straightforward, but experiences you're willing to share are appreciated. Where's the relay?
--
850 / Mini








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    Speedometer Troubleshooting (electric) 200 1986

    First guess is that the 3 wire connector on the back of the speedo assembly isn't making good contact. I'd recommend pulling the cluster out again and cleaning the contacts for the connector on the back of the speedo with a pencil eraser, that may cure it all together.

    Beyond that, carefully resoldering all of the solder joints on the speedo/odo board may fix it too. These speedo assemblies were built in the days of manual labor and solder pots, technologies that almost guarantee air bubbles in the solder joints... add 20+ years of vibration and intermittent connections result.

    jorrell
    --
    92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!








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    Speedometer Troubleshooting (electric) 200 1986

    Sounds like a crack in the side board on the speedo head. Very hard to find and usually the cause of intermittent problems. When one of the components goes out, it just dies. You might also make sure that the three contacts in the L connector that goes to the board are tight. Sometimes they can be loosened by removing the plug at an angle. A tiny screwdriver or a pick can be used to "pry" them back into position so they grip well.

    The rear defrost relay is the white one clipped to the pedal/column support brackets right above your left foot.

    Good luck,

    DS







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