I just got a used instrument cluster with a tach for my ef sedan. I tested it and all the gauges worked just fine (question about temp gauge to follow). So I wanted to swap in the odometer from my old cluster to keep the miles the same, and also because the 10ths digit was yellow looking on the new one and it looked gross. So I got that all done. In order to do that, I had to pull the speedo needle off and put back on after. Now, the speedo needle doesn't work, but the trip meter and odometer work fine, so I know the issue is NOT my speedo cable. After talking with a friend, he mentioned that the stepper motor behind the odometer is really sensitive and that I probably broke it when I pulled the needle off. AND my CEL light is on for code 17, the VSS, vehicle speed sensor. Anyone have any experience with this or know a way to fix the issue without having to buy a new cluster? Is there a way to replace just the stepper motor?

Separate question: the cluster is from a '91 auto rt4wd wagon. The temp gauge works, but it warms up to about 1/4 of the way up. My old one stayed right at the halfway point. Anyone know why it does this? Thanks in advance!

Kyler

 

Have you verified that the speedometer cable is plugged into the back of the cluster all the way until the clip snaps? You can have the cable almost all the way plugged in, but if the square inner cable is not aligned with the square hole in the speedometer, you won't be able to clip it till it clicks. I usually have to roll the car forward or backwards a small amount to get the cable to line up just right. You may have also pulled the cable out of the transmission. You can verify that it's plugged in by driving or rolling the car and observing the end of the cable that plugs into the back of the speedometer - it should be turning.

 

I am pretty sure it's plugged in all the way, but I can't for sure say I remember hearing it click. I'll have to check it here when I have some time in the next week. I am, however, certain it is plugged into the transmission all the way, as I stated before. The odometer and trip meter are working just fine. If the cable isn't clipped in all the way to the cluster, are you sure that that will that cause the speedo needle not to work and also throw that CEL? Appreciate your feedback.

 

Ah, missed that part about the odometer working. So yeah, it's more than likely broken internal to the speedometer.

 

Does anyone have any insight into replacing or fixing just the speedo needle motor? I am pretty sure that is the reason the speedo needle doesn't work. Would really prefer to fix it instead of buying another cluster.

 

With regards to the temp gauge (in case anyone else has this question): I found out that the needle for these gauges stays at the same level for a wide range of temperatures, rendering it fairly useless. Apparently, it will stay at that level until the temp is much higher. So if it moves up at all, beware that you are likely overheating or just about to.