'93 LS400 Speedometer starts "late"
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tennessee
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'93 LS400 Speedometer starts "late"
I have a fairly recent problem with my speedometer and could use some guidance. The unit works, but sometimes it take five miles of driving, sometimes more. I am wondering if anyone has had this particular problem and could point me towards the culprit. I have read a good number of the posts dealing with speedometers, but most seem to be electrical in nature and as I understand it this issue (mine) could be mechanical or electrical.
Any and all help appreciated!
Glenn
Any and all help appreciated!
Glenn
#2
Moderator
Is your problem temperature related?
If so, it would be the common problem caused by the liquid used for the lubrication of the needle shaft.
The confirmation can be done whacking the dashboard hard by your hand while the meter is still indicating 0.
If so, it would be the common problem caused by the liquid used for the lubrication of the needle shaft.
The confirmation can be done whacking the dashboard hard by your hand while the meter is still indicating 0.
#3
Racer
Mine does it when its chilly out. A wack to the dashboard frees it.
#4
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Thanks for the info from both Yamae and Sin1UZFE. It appears this is exactly the problem on my car. Can we now talk about how to repair it? I removed the instrument console a number of years ago to have a broken solder repaired, and this was not too difficult. Can I assume that the needle shaft can be accessed from the rear of this cluster? Clean then relube or just relube? And what lubricant to use?
Thanks for any help!
Glenn
Thanks for any help!
Glenn
#6
Intermediate
My 97 does it from time to time also. I don't think anything can be done about it as far as a permanent fix goes. Like Yamae said its some type of liquid in there, it seems like the whole needle is floating.
#7
Moderator
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LS400FAN (09-25-19)
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#8
Then after you break the needle messing around with this magical fairy lubricant come to us so we can replace it
https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...luster-repair/
https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...luster-repair/
__________________
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
#9
Racer
Then after you break the needle messing around with this magical fairy lubricant come to us so we can replace it
https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...luster-repair/
https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...luster-repair/
#10
We are in Wisconsin. There is no way to determine the depth of repairs without seeing and testing the cluster first. One problem turns into 2, 3, or more. Any time someone sends a cluster for one issue we end up repairing a handful of other problems or doing preventative work.
However, to simply get the MPH gauge working would be the base labor cost of $84.99 plus $199.
We do appointments in San Diego only here https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...uster-repairs/
However, to simply get the MPH gauge working would be the base labor cost of $84.99 plus $199.
We do appointments in San Diego only here https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...uster-repairs/
__________________
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
#11
Racer
We are in Wisconsin. There is no way to determine the depth of repairs without seeing and testing the cluster first. One problem turns into 2, 3, or more. Any time someone sends a cluster for one issue we end up repairing a handful of other problems or doing preventative work.
However, to simply get the MPH gauge working would be the base labor cost of $84.99 plus $199.
We do appointments in San Diego only here https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...uster-repairs/
However, to simply get the MPH gauge working would be the base labor cost of $84.99 plus $199.
We do appointments in San Diego only here https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...uster-repairs/
#12
I'm dealing with the same issues, sometimes the speedometer sometimes the tach and sometimes both. I haven't thought about whacking them, I'll give it a try the next time it happens. Its so infrequent when it happens that it doesn't bother me, I guess I'll get more serious if it does it more often or becomes a permanent situation. Thanks for the advice Yamae.
#13
Pole Position
Recommended Instrument Cluster Needle Shaft Lubricant?
What is the correct lubricant to use for speedometer and tachometer needle shafts?
#14
Moderator
#15
Pole Position
I myself use a silicon fluid Shin-Etsu KF96. So far everything has been OK for 8 years without any issue. But I must add that to use this to a door lock motor was a big problem to me due to the side effect of the siloxane gas causing too much resistance between brushes and the commutator. You should not use KF96 to where there exist electric contacts.
The properties of lubricant are especially critical to tachometer and speedometer needle shafts.
Only knew of Shin-Etsu from their rubber weatherstrip grease.
KF96 is available in different grades.
Can you clarify which part number you used?
...or post an image of the container.
Cleaning old lubricant is critical before applying new lubricant....
I wonder if anyone offering instrument cluster repairs is actually performing necessary cleaning.
The following link discussed cleaning and oiling of watch movements:
https://nobswatchmaker.com/blog/art-of-oiling-in-watchmaking
The next challenge will be to source Shin Etsu KF96 in the United States.
Have attached the specification manual contained in your link.
Last edited by YODAONE; 09-25-19 at 07:10 PM.
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Sin1UZFE (09-25-19)