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odometer, tach and speedo problems

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Old 04-14-07, 04:31 PM
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odometer, tach and speedo problems

alright I searched and found a few results but nothing definitive and im not sure if they're exactly like my problem.

I have a 94.

When i got it it needed a motor and basically an engine bays worth of parts so I never turned the key or anything so i'm not sure if the odometer ever worked properly.

But since ive put in the new motor and modified my stock engine harness for my single turbo setup I've been having problems (car is now incapacitated due to a defective new turbo).

Basically my odometer/tripmeter has been glitchy, comes on and goes off at will while driving, but the backlight works fine. I figured it'd be a loose ground I checked the ground on the ignition coil harness and it's good, and then I checked the two grounds near the firewall on the engine harness and they both also checked out good, and then the big ground near the starter also checked out ok. (i'm not sure which exact ground is for the odometer so i checked those 5 since those are the ones i had to remove and install in this process)

Now that was going on for about 2 days then with that still happening my tach and speedo both just died in the middle of driving. Again it was acting like a loose connection because they would both come to life and then die soon after. Also when theyre dead my PFC COmmander reads 0kph.

The other gauges all work fine tho, and as a side note the car has no radio in it so there are like 3 plugs disconnected sitting where the radio would be, not sure if thatd effect the cluster.

What is everyone's thoughts as to the possible problem? I'm starting to think the cluster might be shot.

Any and all ideas would be helpful.

Thanks,
kevin.

Last edited by teknics; 04-14-07 at 04:47 PM.
Old 04-15-07, 12:53 PM
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any help here?

kevin
Old 04-15-07, 01:06 PM
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could be the wires on the speedometer sensor broken or the sensor its self.
Old 04-16-07, 12:52 PM
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yea i was gonna check out the speed sensor once i can push it back into the shop.

would that cause the tach to go out as well?

kevin.
Old 04-17-07, 07:41 PM
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I had the same intermittent problem as you. It was after I pulled the gauge hood out and did some stuff. It turned out the part of the flex board on the back of the gauge cluster that connects to the speedometer PCB had a crease in it. The crease caused a copper trace to break, but still make the connection sometimes. The break wasn't visible. But the crease was. There should be a black cover over the connection area on the back of the cluster to protect it from such issues.
Old 04-17-07, 08:19 PM
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I would recommend pulling your gauge cluster and inspect & clean the flexprint. Use an eraser to clean the contacts then wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol. Also ensure the flexprint isn't flush against the sidewall of the connector. You should be able to angle it out without creasing the flexprint. By doing that you ensure proper contact between the flexprint and the hard plastic connectors going to the gauge cluster.
Old 04-20-07, 05:41 PM
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is the flexprint the part that plugs into the back of speedo from the like paper circuit?

i think i found a blown capacitor on the back of the speedo, gonna replace that and then i'll try cleaning the connector on the speedo and anything else that looks suspect.

thanks, i think the speed sensor is shot too i tried etsting for voltage like the body manual says and i didnt have any signs of voltage so now i gotta try to find one of those too.

kevin.
Old 04-08-08, 10:46 AM
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CA odometer and tachometer cluster

Hi there,
I was wondering if you ever found out what the problem was on your tachometerand odometer issue. I am currently having the same issue, but only with my tachometer and not my speedometer... I was wondering if maybe you can help a new guy like me on troubleshooting my FD as well. I have a 95 r2.
thanks,
Old 04-16-08, 04:29 PM
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If you cant figure the problem out, heres a link just in case. I sent my cluster in last week. I'll update you when it gets there.

http://www.bba-reman.com/catalogue/D...edProduct=1023
Old 04-24-08, 02:01 PM
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Mine is doing the same as well -- both the tach and the speedo. Sounds like it's not uncommon...
Old 11-11-08, 06:50 AM
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We have - and continue - to repair more RX-7 clusters than virtually anyone else out there, as well as offer additional cluster services. We also service many other makes/models! https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=731706

Thanks,
~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports
Old 11-12-08, 02:32 AM
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mine does the same.. needles never died tho.. im going to be sending them to fdnewbie in a couple weeks.
Old 11-12-08, 08:12 AM
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me to me to!
if i ever get off my butt to get the thing out.
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