ml30306

I noticed something very strange with my speedometer today. I was driving around 60 mph, when I slowed down the needle stayed at around 60, then abruptly dropped to the "correct" speed (if that is even the correct speed). It also seems that my speedometer will hardly go over 65 mph. It happens erratically, especially on higher speeds, that needle will simply stay on the last mark, then jump down.

Has anyone encountered this problem before? I have twice disassembled my instrument cluster because I still have an unresolved issue with my fuel gauge, it will not always display the right amount of fuel. There are a number of different length screwed in that back of the instrument cluster that according to my knowledge have to make contact in order for the gauges to fully "work". Is that true? How important is the right assembly of these screws? Does anyone have a diagram where which screws belong? I had the feeling that my cluster had been taken apart before and that some of the screws were in the wrong place to start with.

I have researched the problem on sticky speedometer needles, some suggested new speed sensors. Any input?

I also have a GPS unit from 2 previous owners ago that is wired into the area behind the coin holder, I am wondering if that unit which is active is interfering with my instrument cluster.

ANY COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

EEngineer

Replace ur vehicle speed sensor. It's attached to your transmission that pulls out toward the firewall.

download

They have different length screwed, you have to follow exactly where their location. Black & silver color too. The longer screw are mirror of both side.










Changed out the burned out "Drive" bulb.

ml30306

@eengineer - do you have an exact location for the speed sensor? There are also several different speed sensors for abs wheels, one that is labeled VSS, one that is called the transmission speed sensor? Which one?

@download - great pictures, thank you! I am going to take out the instrument cluster tomorrow. From your pictures it looks like there are 4 long screws that mirror each other, is that correct? I also remember there were 3 different lengths.

download

Yes, only 4 long screws that mirror each other.
As I remember, only 2 different lengths and 2 colors.

ml30306

@download - thank you. Unfortunately, my instrument cluster looks different than yours. You must live in either Europe or Canada. Will try to work with the pics nonethless.

download

My is 98 ES Japan version. Hope it helps

ml30306

Update: I checked my instrument cluster, seems to be fine. It looks like there are 2 speed sensors attached to the tramsmission/engine (plus 4 for each wheel). Could it be either or really only the one that goes to the transmission? Any fuses that should be checked as well? I do not have an error code for this problem, wondering if there is a way to test that.

ml30306

MYSTERY SOLVED (a least for my case): I had the GPS tracker removed, no impact. Needle would still not move at any speed above 62. I took the instrument cluster back out, took it apart, manually moved the speedometer needle, it stuck at around 70 and would not return to zero. Apparently the last time I took the instrument cluster apart I tightened the case screws too much since the needle moved freely depending on pressure of the spedometer back plate. Re-assembled instrument cluster, everything seems to work fine now, will probably do another speed test.