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        General >> Problems >> speedo not working on 24v cosworth
        
(Message started by: johnnocosworth on Jul 19^th, 2007, 1:06pm)

Title: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by johnnocosworth on Jul 19^th, 2007, 1:06pm

Hi,

picked up my new car last night, its a r plate scorpio cosworth.

Its a great car, but the speedo doesn't work.

The previous owner told me that it had had a flat battery and after he had charged it, all the needles went around when he started the car.

All gauges now work, but it looks like the speedo needle is below the 0mph stop?

When I turn on the ignition, the needle does move slightly.

Any ideas how to fix this? as guess my speed isn't good fun with all the cameras around where I live.

Thanks
John

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by jonnycab on Jul 19^th, 2007, 4:26pm

Welcome to the site :D

Two reasons I can think of.....the needle has somehow jumped over the stop & is stuck the wrong side of it or the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) needs replacing :)

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by Kjetil S on Jul 19^th, 2007, 4:54pm

I would guess on the first one. It's not uncommon for the needles to get stuck behind the plastic stops.

You can try using a lenght of thin steel wire and gently press it in between the odometer button and the "glass". Hopefully this will allow you to move the needle back in place. If not, you'll probably need to take the instrument cluster out, unless someone else has an idea.

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by TiberiuS on Jul 19^th, 2007, 6:36pm

Precision engineered, technical THUMP on the top of the dash ;)

Common fault, the needles always flick around after the battery has been disconnected, sometimes the speedo gets wedged there.

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by Ultima2300 on Jul 19^th, 2007, 6:55pm

on 07/19/07 at 18:36:54, TiberiuS wrote:

Precision engineered, technical THUMP on the top of the dash

Bruce - I believe it's technically referred to as "percussive maintainence" ;)

Geoff

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by TiberiuS on Jul 19^th, 2007, 7:20pm

...or concussive maintenance if you happen to thump the wrong object :o ::)

;D

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by Spannerdemon on Jul 19^th, 2007, 7:39pm

If you do end up taking the cluster out, DON'T lay it down flat on the lens.

Can't remember why, but I know it does nasty things to it. Can anyone give more info?

The cluster surround is only held in with 4 screws so might be worth just undoing it, and lifting the needle back over the plastic stop. It bounces over this when the needles flicker round.

Bruce's idea of a good thump on the top of the dash (as you go over a bump) is non-technical......but works. :)

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by petehull on Jul 19^th, 2007, 10:34pm

on 07/19/07 at 19:39:58, Spannerdemon wrote:

If you do end up taking the cluster out, DON'T lay it down flat on the lens.

Can't remember why, but I know it does nasty things to it. Can anyone give more info?

I think it has some sort of oil damper inside which can leak out.....

pete

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by Simmo on Jul 20^th, 2007, 9:45am

S/D. THIS (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/manual/electrical/intbasic/InstrumentCluster.pdf) is what you are thinking of I suspect BUT it does not explain why so Pete may be correct. :)

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by Spannerdemon on Jul 20^th, 2007, 12:13pm

That's the one Mike.

Many Thanks. ;)

Title: Re: speedo not working on 24v cosworth
Post by johnnocosworth on Jul 20^th, 2007, 5:55pm

;D
Hi,

thanks for all advice, I've just spent an hour sitting in the car, and have released the dash trim and the plastic screen over the dials, I then lifted the needle over the stop, put it all back together and have been for a test drive. ....it works!

John