84 Speedometer/odometer works when it wants to
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11
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84 Speedometer/odometer works when it wants to
I'm sure this has been gone over but I cant seem to find it. I have an 84 and the speedometer doesn't work all the time, when it quits the odometer stops also. I checked the connection at the vss and all looks fine so im guessing a faulty vss. Is there a way to test it? The speedo displays the correct speed when it works according to my gps. Also, when it quits working on the highway, about half the time a downshift to passing gear will bring it back. Potholes don't seem to affect it but when it rains It wont work at all. Any ideas on where to get a new speed sensor?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
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I'm sure this has been gone over but I cant seem to find it. I have an 84 and the speedometer doesn't work all the time, when it quits the odometer stops also. I checked the connection at the vss and all looks fine so im guessing a faulty vss. Is there a way to test it? The speedo displays the correct speed when it works according to my gps. Also, when it quits working on the highway, about half the time a downshift to passing gear will bring it back. Potholes don't seem to affect it but when it rains It wont work at all. Any ideas on where to get a new speed sensor?
You could have a ground issue at the cluster also I'd think but the VSS connection is where I'd start. Mentioning "looks fine" isn't a confirmation that it is fine. What color is your VSS? White or black? VSS replacements are tough to find for early cars and I'm guessing yours is black. AT or MT car? Actually '84 shouldn't matter I'm quite sure they're all black.
The connector can be done locally with little effort or assembled less expensively if you wanted.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jun 5, 2014 at 04:02 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,429
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From: Minneapolis Mn
Suggestions
Not to take anything away from what's been said but have you checked out: http://www.batee.com/
There's some additional info there including possible points where the solder connections can come loose and require resoldering.
Between the two, may help nail down what's happening to you.
Good luck
There's some additional info there including possible points where the solder connections can come loose and require resoldering.
Between the two, may help nail down what's happening to you.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I got it working. Someone replaced the connecter already, I found 2 blue butt connectors about a foot into the wire loom, very corroded. I cut them out, soldered and shrink wrapped it and all is good, now onto the next item on my list. thanks for the replies.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
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Ain't it great when things are that simple!!
