Speedometer not working

magoo · Jun 16, 2014

My speedometer doesn't work and would like to know what can be done to sort out the problem. Is it a simple case of changing the speedo cable? As far as I know speedo problems are not related to electrical faults. I have also managed to collect two additional speedometers which could be fitted if necessary.

Cheers.

gvee · Jun 16, 2014

No 'lectrics involved, all mechanical.

Speedo cable goes from nearside hub to dash pod.

At the hub end: you should be able to see the end of the speedo cable sticking out of the cap, secured by a circlip (or similar). Check that these have a reasonable fit together (i.e. not rounded off).

At the dash end: pop the dash pod forward (you can't get it fully out because the steering wheel is in the way, but you can get enough access) or reach up from underneath and check that the cable end there is screwed up tightly.

vwcanuck · Jun 16, 2014

Like Gvee said ... it is a 100% mechanical speedo. The front driver's side wheel cap should have a square hole with the end of the speedo cable poking through, held there with a c-clip. Follow the cable up to your speedo where it is screwed on hand-tight to the back right in the middle. No need to disassemble the dash pod as it's easier to reach from underneath ... just need to feel for it

I secured a strip of electrical tape around the cable, leaving tag a few cm long and a few cm away from the speedo before messing under the dash ... otherwise the nut you want to tighten may slide down the cable somewhere near the floor. If you can't find the nut ... that's probably where it is. Pull the cable out from behind the dash, find the nut, slide it up to the speedo end, add that electrical tape, fish the cable back up through to the speedo and hand-tighten. Hope this helps