What the heck did my car just do?

eucharistos

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......But the speedo failing and 5th grinding still puzzles me.

Box for the speedo...... Only other computer controlled solenoid is the reverse lockout and I doubt that would do anything except lock out reverse. .......

Ted

along these lines, i wonder if the speedo showing 0 may have allowed you to be going into reverse instead of 5th, and thus the grind....
 

Roy

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I guess the grinding was the reverse, if you try to put it there, but you're actually searching for 5th you get this sound. In beginning I made this mistake a couple of times. Maybe you were so enthusiast that you mistaked.
 

2snakes4us

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along these lines, i wonder if the speedo showing 0 may have allowed you to be going into reverse instead of 5th, and thus the grind....


ohhh...I like eucharistos answer :2tu:, that would make sence and computers do hic-up every once in awhile.

and also....I think Dave6666 is funny and I get his humor :D plus he does help alot of folk out there with great info.
 

dave6666

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Euchi-Wan-kanobi does bring up an interesting point that if the PCM was outputting a speed of 0 mph then the reverse lockout may not have functioned whether searching R or 5.

Timely thread too, as I'm fixing to mule a new speedo box being developed. The instructions start with do not hard wire it until you know it works... LOL. I'll be sure and remember if the speedo goes to zeee-row to act appropriately.
 

TomH

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Craig, you might want to check the wiring and placement of the VEC, it might be getting too hot and acting up or maybe a bad connection. I'm guessing but that could mess with the output to the speedo
 

Jack B

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Since you added timing, that probably means a VEC. The first series of the the VEC had a known issue with a notch in the hp curve. It related to added timing. Sean brought out a patch that fixed it. If you have an old firmware version this could be the problem. Your explanation of the problem mirrors what the VEC was doing.
 
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Alley

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Thanks for the suggestion. I'll shoot Sean a email. I bought the VEC from a member here and he had sent it to sean for a overhaul to make sure everything was working correctly before selling it. That was a year ago. If it did need the latest firmware update I would of hoped Sean would of just done it then. I'll ask him.
 
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Alley

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Small Update. Changed the plug wires. Car seems to me running smoother. Have done several WOT runs with no bucking or hesitation so far.

Speedo has issues. Its happening often now. It will just work then not work. Few things I have noticed is that when its really acting up, I can be driving in gear and put in the clutch and the speedo will drop to 0. Go back in gear, and the speedo returns. Not every time, as its still a intermintant problem. And also the odometer seems to be always working even with the speedo reads 0. Has also happened after only 5 minutes of driving, so I wouldn't think heat would be a issue. Spoke to Sean and he assured me the VEC is not wired into anything that has to do with the speedo.
 

RTTTTed

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My speedo runs 10% faster than my odometer. Perhaps a guage problem? Suggest Chuck Tator would be the best to ask about that.

Let us know
 
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Alley

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found a TSB on the speedo for 95 vipers.

1995 Dodge Viper V10-488 8.0L Copyright © 2008, ALLDATA 9.90 Page 1​
Vehicle Speed Sensor: All Technical Service Bulletins
Speedometer/Odometer - Intermittently Inoperative​
NO: 08-04-97
GROUP: Electrical
DATE: Feb. 14, 1997
SUBJECT:
Intermittent Loss Of Speedometer/Odometer Operation
MODELS:
1995 (SR) Viper
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Intermittent or inoperative speedometer or odometer.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS) or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all
engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) other than any speed sensor related codes are present,
record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
If the DTC "Speed Sensor" (Hex $23) is found clear the code and visually inspect the speed sensor wire harness where it routes over the transmission
tail. Looking for chaffing where the harness meets the fin section of the transmission tail. If chafing is present perform the Repair Procedure. If
chafing is not present diagnose and repair the condition using the 1996 Viper RT10 Service Manual (Publication Number 81-270-6150) and then
perform the repair procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 04364393 Tube, 1/4 in. Convolute
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 08-92-CD-90 0.8 Hrs.​
FAILURE CODE: 1W - Wires Cut By Sharp Edge
 

Roy

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Small Update. Changed the plug wires. Car seems to me running smoother. Have done several WOT runs with no bucking or hesitation so far.

I hear lots of people talking about changing plug wires...I always thought that you only change them if they are broken, do they also get less good in years? May be I should change too. Is there a lot of difference, or is just any wire ok?

Greetz Roy
 

Bandit3

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Just saw Hollywoods response to the wisenheimer Dave. Just gets old Chuck. Next it'll be the muffler bearings. Must have hit a nerve, he answered maturely finally.
 
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Alley

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Before I make any calls I think I'll get the car on the rack and visiually inspect this speed sensor wiring harness for any wear as it states in the TSB. Then go from there. Thx for the input guys.
 
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Alley

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Inspected the car from underneath. Don't see any symtoms as described in the tsb. Looks like it may have been done already. I'll call chuck maybe and see what he thinks about th speed sensor itself needing replaced. No codes were displayed with the diagnostic tool.
 

kenmo

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Was curious if there were any updates to this thread? I'm experiencing the strange speedo works/doesn't work issue the last few times I've had it out.

2001 Viper GTS. Also noticed the car seems to be idling a bit lower than usual. She's about to get a tune up so I'll poke around and see if I have any loose connections anywhere.
 

bluesrt

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ehhh what about speed sensor or gear fubared in transmission- aint the gear plastic, could b metal shaves on the speed sensor, or just poo pooed
 

kenmo

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ehhh what about speed sensor or gear fubared in transmission- aint the gear plastic, could b metal shaves on the speed sensor, or just poo pooed

On my "to do" list is a shifter install. I'll take a close look at that as well while I'm down there. I'm thinking it's electrical with it being kinda intermittent, but anything's possible!!
 

nutkees

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I got the exact same problem a few weeks back on a racetrack.

On the straight I couldn't get it into 5th gear and got some hesitasion in the higher revs, like 5000-5500.

Speedo problem sounds new to me, haven't seen that problem on the track, but hey, I simply don't look at it while racing.

Got the car in the pits, waited like 10 min, after that, problem solved!

I got new AB wires, new plugs, VEC II on a 1999 gts

Temp was normal, and problem also puzzled me. Strange to see someone else got exactly the same problem!!:crazy2:
 

kenmo

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I actually haven't had the gear change problem, just the speedo cutting in/out. If I happen to find the issue, I'll go ahead and post up.
 

Jack B

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I got the exact same problem a few weeks back on a racetrack.

On the straight I couldn't get it into 5th gear and got some hesitasion in the higher revs, like 5000-5500.

Speedo problem sounds new to me, haven't seen that problem on the track, but hey, I simply don't look at it while racing.

Got the car in the pits, waited like 10 min, after that, problem solved!

I got new AB wires, new plugs, VEC II on a 1999 gts

Temp was normal, and problem also puzzled me. Strange to see someone else got exactly the same problem!!:crazy2:

Make sure your VEC firmware has been upgraded, the original or base firmware back in 2004 had a issue with a loss of power around 4700 rpms.
 

DarcShadow

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With the speedo reading 0, I bet the reverse lockout solenoid was not active and you were actually trying to shift into reverse rather then 5th.
 
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