1988 GTS speedometer issue | FerrariChat

1988 GTS speedometer issue

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by BogieBill, May 31, 2011.

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  1. BogieBill

    BogieBill Rookie

    Jun 23, 2010
    4
    My 1988 GTS is a low miles car. The speedo recently started to jump-fluxuate and finally went dead. Anyone know what might be happening?
     
  2. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    Pull apart and clean all the electrical connnectors with some electrical cleaner. Stabilant 22 is really good. :):)

    Try that first, if that doesnt fix it there maybe a ground issue. :):)
     
  3. CarbBoxer

    CarbBoxer Formula Junior

    Oct 7, 2008
    844
    Houston
    Full Name:
    PW
  4. sparta49

    sparta49 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Mar 3, 2001
    7,804
    LA
    Full Name:
    Frank
    smack the top of the instrument cluster (really)
     
  5. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,044
    USA
    +1. Then consider replacing the speedo sender, screwed into the transaxle. I have owned three Ferraris, including a 328, all of them needed a new sender at some point in my ownership. If it really is the speedometer that is bad, then yes, try Palo Alto Speedometer for the repair. But I would start wtih checking connections, then replacing the sender.
     
  6. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,044
    USA
    On the 328, it is more common to have issues with the tachometer or the clock.
     
  7. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    It's either the sensor or speedometer, the sensor is cheaper to replace than the speedometer is to fix. To differentiate, look for voltages at the sender unit located at the corner of the engine accessed by removing the right wheel well cover. One sensor wire comes from the fuse panel (check for battery 12V there with key on) and the other wire goes to the speedometer (check for a 6v square wave swing here with each wheel revolution). Chuck front wheels, raise the left rear wheel off the ground with the engine in neutral. Turn wheel, read voltmeter.

    Elsewise throw money starting with a new sensor.
     
  8. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,566
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    my 89 was like that. It would not work in the morning, and start working again at the same spot on the freeway every time. Finally died for good. A change to a used speed sender fixed the problem.
     
  9. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
    BANNED

    Jul 2, 2003
    7,782
    Full Name:
    Sparky
    No need to remove the wheel well and wheel. The impulse generator is easily accessible from underneath the car.
     
  10. anxpert

    anxpert Formula Junior

    Mar 4, 2008
    970
    Oceanside, CA
    Full Name:
    Enrique Mar
    Worked for me , gave the top of the instrument cluster a couple of open handed strong taps .... speedo started working again.
     
  11. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
    BANNED

    Jul 2, 2003
    7,782
    Full Name:
    Sparky
    I believe that's the Ford diagnostic test! ;)

    Worked for me when I had a a dash light problem on a Ferrari. Helped me find a loose ground by pounding on the dash.
     

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