Speedometer Probelm...help needed

Earl_H

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Posts
213
Reaction score
0
Location
MI
Went for a drive today..first time in a couple of weeks and noticed the speedometer wasn't working. Anyone else have this problem? Any leads on a fix. Car Details: SVS Twin Turbo, AEM, stock gears-no speedo correction box, other stuff. No changes to the tune, no mechanical changes, checked all the fuses (i.e. under dash, left side engine compartment). I'm not very familiar with these cars and wanted to see if there are a few quick things that I could check.
 
OP
OP
E

Earl_H

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Posts
213
Reaction score
0
Location
MI
AEM is getting the signal...must be the guage or connection. How often do the Speedometers go bad?
 

95Viper

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 1, 2002
Posts
1,510
Reaction score
0
Location
Phoenix
On my 95 (setup is a little different than yours) I thought it was my speed sensor but it wasn't. I had to replace the Ignition Control Module.

Take it to a good ViperTech, they have a diagnostic process and can narrow it down for less than $100. Then you can decide how you want to fix it. I replaced my ICM myself because it only took 2 minutes and I saved alot.
 

PhoenixGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 9, 2004
Posts
2,685
Reaction score
1
Location
Phoenix Arizona
As you look at the PCM, on the middle of the three big conenctors, pin 27 (white with tan tracer) is the signal from the speed sensor to the PCM, but pin 28 (white with orange tracer) is the wire from the PCM to the speedometer. Check pin 28's wire (bottom right hand wire) to make sure there is not something easy like a mechanical injury to the wire (perhaps someone tapped into it previously and the patch has failed?). The "covers" on the big PCM plugs pop off so you can look in there without unplugging the big plug. Just a place to start.
 

GoCanes1

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 22, 2004
Posts
155
Reaction score
3
Location
Nashville, TN
Have you changed out your radio lately? The stock radio is connected to the speedometer and changing the radio could possibly short out the speedo.
 
OP
OP
E

Earl_H

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Posts
213
Reaction score
0
Location
MI
Thanks guys. I'll look into some of the recommended checks..

No changes to the radio.
 

Joe Dozzo

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
397
Reaction score
0
Location
Golden, CO
Hello Earl,

Car used to have 3.45 gears and a speedo box. I remember jumpers from speedobox into PCM, but not any splices - but then I did not do either the install or removal.

Did notice once when THOROUGHLY cleaning engine bay I must have gotten some water / cleaner someplace it shouldn't have been because that caused the speedo to read 80 - 90 mph with the key on but the car not moving. Behaved normally after a day drying out at the drag strip.
 
OP
OP
E

Earl_H

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Posts
213
Reaction score
0
Location
MI
Joe,

Where was the box located? I can check to see if something happened to one of the connections.
 

GoCanes1

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 22, 2004
Posts
155
Reaction score
3
Location
Nashville, TN
Have you changed out your radio lately? The stock radio is connected to the speedometer and changing the radio could possibly short out the speedo.

Please elaborate.

The stock radio has a wire that is connected to your speedo to raise the volume as you accelerate. I changed my deck out and the install company shorted the speedo out. Happened to Baz in the UK also.
 

Joe Dozzo

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
397
Reaction score
0
Location
Golden, CO
Hello Earl,

Right up front by the PCM. If I remember correctly, the box was attached on the right (as you look at it) side of the housing containing the PCM with double sided tape.

Joe
 
OP
OP
E

Earl_H

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Posts
213
Reaction score
0
Location
MI
Have you changed out your radio lately? The stock radio is connected to the speedometer and changing the radio could possibly short out the speedo.

Please elaborate.

The stock radio has a wire that is connected to your speedo to raise the volume as you accelerate. I changed my deck out and the install company shorted the speedo out. Happened to Baz in the UK also.

Did you have to replace the speedo?
 

GoCanes1

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 22, 2004
Posts
155
Reaction score
3
Location
Nashville, TN
I did, it completely burnt it. If you make sure that the installer discontects that wire before you start the car everything will be okay. I think Baz just needed the wire diconnected and then his worked again.
 

Joseph Dell

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
3,463
Reaction score
0
Location
Atlanta, GA 30338
Remember that the AEM takes a vehicle speed reading as well. See if the AEM is putting out the correct speed. If it isn't then it sounds sensor related.

JD
 
OP
OP
E

Earl_H

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Posts
213
Reaction score
0
Location
MI
Remember that the AEM takes a vehicle speed reading as well. See if the AEM is putting out the correct speed. If it isn't then it sounds sensor related.

JD
AEM is reading correctly.
 

Randy

Viper Owner
Joined
Feb 7, 2004
Posts
1,058
Reaction score
0
Location
Earth?
The stock radio has a wire that is connected to your speedo to raise the volume as you accelerate. I changed my deck out and the install company shorted the speedo out. Happened to Baz in the UK also.
Just a side-note - only the Gen II Viper has the speedo signal hooked up to the radio (lest someone with a Gen I be reading this and draw the wrong conclusion).
 
OP
OP
E

Earl_H

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Posts
213
Reaction score
0
Location
MI
Anyone have a pic of the speedo box? I have an AEM and I am sure that this stuff has been relocated.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
153,645
Posts
1,685,213
Members
18,221
Latest member
tractor1996
Top