1994 850 Speedometer

rlkareha · Post by **rlkareha** » 10 Dec 2013, 18:54

HI, I have a 1994 volvo 850 theat has sat for a couple of years. I have gone completely over it new exhaust,catalytic converter, brakes, pads ,tires, balljoints,tie rods, stabilizer links, front wheel sensors, crankshaft and speed sensors. But the speedometer doesn't work, could it be the ABS sensor box? Or what else should I try I really want to get my baby back on the road, I love this car but I can't get it inspected until the speedometer is working. I'm hoping someone can direct in the right way. Thanks Randy

Post by **phils94850** » 10 Dec 2013, 19:34

The electrical part of the ignition switch has been a known issue on our cars and can cause instrument cluster issues.

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Post by **Ozark Lee** » 10 Dec 2013, 22:54

The later model ('96 an on) ABS modules would cause you problem but not on a '94. You do have diagnostics for the instrument cluster through DTC port A-7. Pull the codes from that port and post them back. You can also test the cluster itself via Diagnostic Test Mode 3 (3 button pushes). That should put all of the gauges at halfway except temp which will go to the bottom of the red. If it passes that test then the problem is likely a vehicle speed sensor or its wiring.

...Lee

Post by **rspi** » 14 Dec 2013, 23:56

Why does the odometer have to work to pass inspection? I have never had an inspection station drive any of my cars.

cim · Post by **cim** » 19 May 2014, 16:34

I too have a 1994 850, recently purchased, I don't know much history about this car. I bought it with a bad engine, replaced the engine, and am now seeing other little problems... ABS light on, check engine light, flashing arrow.

Both my speedometer and odometer are not working. I knew I had a missing reluctor ring. I assumed that was also the cause of the speedometer and odometer not working. Since I also had torn boots on that CV shaft, I opted to replace the entire shaft. Did that today, was pretty easy. The result, no ABS light anymore, but my speedometer and odometer are still not working.

I did the A7 cluster Diagnostic Test (3 button pushes). All of the gauges went to halfway except temp which went to red.

Any advice on what to look at next?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 May 2014, 16:44

The missing reluctance ring will cause your ABS problem for sure. The speedometer and odometer gets its signal from the vehicle speed sensor which is located on the inboard side of the transaxle near where the passenger's side axle fits into the transmission. Check to make sure it is plugged in and the wiring to it isn't damaged. The sensor can go bad but it isn't a common problem.

Pull your codes from A-1 and A-2 and post them back. My guess is that they will come back with missing speed sensor errors which triggers the CEL and the flashing up arrow light.

...Lee

cim · Post by **cim** » 01 Jun 2014, 14:45

Update, I finally got the time to investigate this more. After locating the VSS (it's on the top of the transmission just above where the passenger side half shaft slides into the transmission, accessible from underneath the car only.) I planned on removing it, cleaning it, etc... But, I found that the connector wasn't properly seated. So, I applied some dielectric grease, plugged it in until it clicked, and I am in business!

Both the speedometer and odometer now work, along with the cruise control.

cim · Post by **cim** » 01 Jun 2014, 18:22

One more quick update. After clearing the codes... No More Flashing Arrow! Transmission is shifting very smoothly, love the sport mode and the winter mode should be useful.

rlkareha · Post by **rlkareha** » 18 Jul 2014, 20:22

okay I know it's been a while since I posted my speedometer not working I checked the wire visually and found everything to be good. I used a vom meter and put an alligator clip on the speed sensor wire and ran it to the interior,were I opend up the dash and removed the cables to the cluster, I have continuity to it. I ran the codes and I got 111 from both tests, so I assume the abs module is good. I also did the A7 cluster Diagnostic Test (3 button pushes). All of the gauges went to halfway except temp which went to red. I have already replaced the speed sensor and the crankshaft sensor. Any help would be appreciated. Other than replacing the instrument cluster I think I have tried everything.