ppritchard

First we lost the odometer, figured it must be a bad capacitor.
Now, the speedometer has stopped working too -- a couple of weeks after the odometer.

Are they the same issue, just another capacitor or is the speedometer something entirely different?

Any help would be appreciated.

I have the name of a shop in Tampa from David Hayes, but haven't attempted to take the cluster out yet.

Thanks for any insight.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

It's probably another capacitor that is out. The speedo and the odometer share the same board so you can bet the issue relates to several capacitors being out. And the tach feeds the speedo unit so it could be something there but less likely if the tach still works.

I tried replacing my own capacitors but failed in making this work. For the money and to save the hassle (unless you are into this kind of stuff) I'd just send it to DNA and let them take care of it. The can work with just the speedo assembly but they prefer to get the whole cluster. Call them before sending to ensure they have the time to do the work.

You are close enough to Tampa that you could make a fun day trip out of this and maybe wait on the work. Go get some chicken, yellow rice, and plantains in Ybor City

Good luck.

RENESISFD

iTrader: (13)

Do you have a PFC?

Does it display the vehicle speed?


If not it may be something else causing the problem.

If it is showing the speed then it is most likely something wrong with the cluster or the wiring.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

^ Good catch. My money is on the speedo itself though given the odometer went out first.

theorie

iTrader: (31)

Did you try replacing the light bulb that sits behind the odometer? That would be the first thing to check...

Have you ever removed the cluster? It's very easy to tear the circuit board on the back of the cluster. I've seen at least one cluster have speedo problems because the ribbon cables on the back were torn or bent/cracked, which can happen from removing/re-installing the cluster. If you currently have the cluster out, visually inspect that first before you go desoldering or replacing things.

Also check the connectors (that plug into the back of the cluster) themselves. They can develop a layer of corrosion that will screw up the sending signals to the cluster. Check each connector's pins and clean them with rubbing alcohol & q-tips if needed.

There are a number of things you can check out before shelling out $$$ to a cluster repair shop... lol

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

^All good things to check. However, DNA charges around $70 to fix the odometer/speedo so the cost is not very high (versus the other repair shops that charge a flat rate $$$) and the average guy might want to go this route versus possibly screwing something else up.

Given that his odometer went out followed by the speedo not working, it's a pretty good bet that the board will need to be fixed.

ppritchard

Thanks
-Have not had the cluster out, so didn't tear anything
-No PFC
-Haven't check the bulb, but now that the speedo isn't working, likely more to it

Thanks for the ideas

theorie

iTrader: (31)

So...it's better to drive across town and throw $70 at someone, when the problem might be as simple as a loose cable (easy DIY fix - re-seat the plug/cable) or tiny bit of corrosion (again, easy DIY - clean with 2cents worth of rubbing alcohol and a q-tip).

I like to start with simple and basic assessments (that often solve the problem) before handing it (and money) over to someone else. :shrugs:

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

^ See the OPs response regarding cables etc. He's not taken anything out and this happened.

I'd say check what Theorie has posted and then when this fails do the road trip to DNA. They'll knock this out pretty easily.

If you are more inclined to try to fix it yourself, I've got some spare capacitors laying around and I am happy to send them to you.

theorie

iTrader: (31)

The connectors on the back can actually develop corrosion even if the cluster's never been removed (especially if you live in hot & humid Florida). My friend's FD had the odo & spedo die on her, turned out it was just corrosion on the pins (as I pointed out in my picture). They didn't check the things I mentioned, and instead bought a new cluster. When they installed it, same problem. They cleaned the copper contacts on the pins and the new cluster worked perfect. When they connected the old cluster, it worked perfect again.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

^ I agree and this is why I said to do the things you've recommended first. I'd say the odds are great though that the unit needs repairing. Remember, the odometer went out first followed by the speedo. If it were a cable issue I'd bet everything would go out at once.

Again it's worth inspecting though for sure.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

And Theorie, you should put your pics and info into a "sticky" with the other speedo fix thread data. Would be a great resource for forum members.