Hey everybody,

 

I've got a 1990 L series Subaru.

 

I've tried searching but I just can't find what I'm looking for.

I'm having troubles with my speedo, generally it doesn't move unless i tap (just once, gently) on the dash screen. Sometimes it works itself, but most of the time it needs a little tap when taking off. Every time I stop, I need to re-tap when taking off.

I recall coming across someone saying you have to pull the dash apart and resolder something, but I simply cannot find the diagram/picture. I've already pulled the dash off and re-attached the speedo plug which didn't make a difference. (and in addition to this, there is like hardly any play with the cable, it is very short?? If you know what I mean? It's hard to re-attach).

If someone could point me to the picture/thread which shows which solder points to look at, that'd be great

 

Cheers!

What do you mean, play with the cable?

 

The speedo is entirely mechanical, no soldering required.

 

Easiest thing to check is if the lube in the cable has gone.

 

and you need monkey arms to reattach the cable to the cluster properly...

 

I've got some spare GL clusters, but you'd need to rewire your dashboard to suit.

Thanks for the reply wagonist.

By no play I mean the cable is quite short, very tight to put on the back of the cluster kind of thing.

There definitely was some lube on the bit, but I'll pull it apart and put some more on. How much is too much? What kind of lube should I use? Do I clean the male and female connector then reapply?

 

I just thought there was some kind of soldering to be done because I was fairly certain the thread I'm thinking of was for a similar dash that wasn't digital. I could obviously be very wrong. The only thing to still make me think it could be a loose contact/solder is because it seriously takes a very light tap to get the speedo working.

 

Cheers for the reply mate.

Just doing some research people say to use dry graphite powder, will THIS do the trick?
I also have access to isopropyl, should I clean the cable on both ends with that?

The cable has a flex shaft in the center.  This shaft turns continuously at a speed proportional to the wheels.  Inside the speedometer, there is a viscous coupling that in turn moves the needle.  The needle returns to zero due to a spring.  The needle pivots on very fine bearings, like a mechanical watch or a regular analog voltmeter.  They can get contaminated and sticky.

 

I doubt lubing the cable will change the sticky gauge problem you are describing.

 

If the cable is making clicky noises that vary with ground speed, that can be helped by lubing the cable.

Thanks DaveT I kinda thought the same thing, but honestly I've read about that fix a fair few times. I think I'll give it a go and report back!

Thanks DaveT I kinda thought the same thing, but honestly I've read about that fix a fair few times. I think I'll give it a go and report back!