SpeedoMeter stops working, Need some help..

Post by **jmmxc** » 16 Jun 2012, 17:04

Hi Guys,
My beloved 96 Volvo 850 GLT speedometer has stopped working.
I am not too sure where to start with the troubleshooting. Some months ago (in Nov 11) I replaced the small gear for the odometer. Everything has been working fine...and now the speedo is acting up.
Any idea where to start? Speed sensor (where is it located?) or Contact not making at the cluster panel or something else?
Any help would be appreciated thanks,
jmmxc

Post by **Matty Moo** » 16 Jun 2012, 17:14

Is the ABS light on?

Post by **rspi** » 16 Jun 2012, 18:01

Check for codes. Usually that means the ABS module is bad.

petek153 · Post by **petek153** » 16 Jun 2012, 20:03

Had a problem with mine also check out this link to see some of the checks I did and a couple links for trobleshooting.The fix for mine was a poor solder joint on the cluster.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=42486

Post by **jmmxc** » 17 Jun 2012, 18:47

Sorry for the delayed response...
Yes my ABS has been disabled for about 10 yrs now. Never has a probleme with the speedo.
I have not had a chance to do a diagnosis due to extra workload at my job.
Will see about tomorrow...
In any case if you guys think of some thing that can help please do not hesitate to opine.
Thanks.
jmmxc.

Post by **Matty Moo** » 17 Jun 2012, 19:17

jmmxc wrote:Sorry for the delayed response...
Yes my ABS has been disabled for about 10 yrs now.

Disabled as in it quit working and you never fixed it, or you did something to disable it intentionally?

That pretty much narrows it down for the most part. If you want to take the time you can test the sensors, but rolling for ten years with a bad module basically answers the question.

Laird_Scooby · Post by **Laird_Scooby** » 18 Jun 2012, 06:07

Hi,

i've just done some research (got similar problems with mine) on this on another Volvo forum in the UK and found this link to be very informative. It covers most models and it seems the major cause of any instrument, gauge or warning light trouble tends to be associated with the flexible printed circuit panel and the soldered joints to it on the back of the instrument cluster.

I'm hoping re-soldering the joints will cure the problems i have as over here in the UK, if the ABS warning light is on when it shouldn't be then it won't pass the MoT (annual roadworthiness test) so would probably end up as scrap.

Hope that link helps!

Post by **jmmxc** » 23 Jun 2012, 12:28

Disabled as in it quit working and you never fixed it, or you did something to disable it intentionally?

No, the ABS became defective as is the case for most people on this forum, after a few years. I attempted the fix for the module. That works for some months but it quit again. So I never bother fixing it as it looks like there may be issues with the cable going deep inside the ABS pump (insulation on cable and what not)...Not having ABS has not affected my driving, I got used to it (I suppose

).

but rolling for ten years with a bad module basically answers the question.

I believe I had read somewhere that ABS problems affects speedometer function starting with the '97 model, not the 96. Maybe you guys can confirm that.

i've just done some research (got similar problems with mine) on this on another Volvo forum in the UK and found this link to be very informative.

I think it is more likely a problem with contacts like the link explains. Recall that that I took the cluster apart around last Nov. to replace some bulbs and the small odometer gear...
Other day I banged on the dashboard a few times and that got it going... again.
I think I need to take it apart one more time and make sure the solder joints, pins mating with the contacts are OK.
I will you guys posted on my progress, waiting for non rainy day w/o thunderstorms to check it.

Thanks for all your inputs.
jmmxc

jpeisker · Post by **jpeisker** » 23 Jun 2012, 18:17

One other thing to check is your ignition switch. I have a '97 model 850 with a flaky intermittent ignition switch which causes various symptoms (no speedo, can't shift out of park, ABS light, no headlights or turn signals). Wiggling the key makes all these go away and the speedometer starts working again. I'll be replacing this switch soon.
Could be that while banging on the instrument cluster you jiggled the key or bumped the steering column when you made the odo work that one time. Flaky ignition switch can be sensitive to vibration like that.

Ignition switch is a relatively easy replacement on this model and not very expensive.
Let us know if you sort this out, whatever it turns out to be.

I have two 850s and both have had the ABS controller fail (solder joints). With the ABS failed or even removed I never had a speedometer failure, so I don't understand why people say there is a connection between speedo and ABS. I believe the electronic version of the odometer is tied to the ABS controller, but no the mechanical odo.
Jim

Laird_Scooby · Post by **Laird_Scooby** » 23 Jun 2012, 19:24

Interesting about the ignition switch Jim - it had crossed my mind on mine (1989 740 GLE).

Not sure what the arrangement is on later models but the speedo sensor (mounted on the diff) also doubles as the rear ABS sensor on mine (no separate sensors for each rear wheel - strange arrangement IMHO!) so it could be Volvo used the same arrangement for later cars?