OK - I've read all the posts regarding sticky/erratic speedos and mine pretty much fits the bill... sticking occassionally at 42mph, no shifting problems with the automatic transmission, whack the dashboard and the needle unsticks. I've got a 99 Forester, but from what I've seen so far it sounds identical to the 99 OB issues.

 

So yesterday, I delicately dig into the instrument cluster to see if it's something obvious, and to get a feel for getting to the speedometer head to replace it. As all have said, yes... it's an amazingly tight fit - and I have small hands too. But anyway, I got everything disconnected and out, took off all the bezels, pulled the speedo and fuel gage needles off and removed the front face to gain access to the speedometer head itself. Nothing obvious wrong, looked way too electronic for me to mess with, so I reassembled and put back into the dash.

 

Everything works fine, but the speed seems to read just a tad high now. Just based on driving habits, it seems about 3-5mph higher than actual. My wife reminds me that this is probably a good thing.

 

As I was reassembling and putting the needle back on, I was wondering how you get the needle back in the correct place. I find it hard to believe I got it back within 3-5mph, so I'm thinking there must be some type of feedback loop that autocalibrates when power is restored? Or did I just get darn lucky... for once.

 

Just curious what the "correct" way of calibrating this thing is.

 

I'm not too worried about how it's working now, but I'm anticipating that when I get tired of the speedo sticking, I'll eventually change it out and I'll want to do it right then.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

 

-Kurt

bump...

 

Did I ask a stupid question or something? No replies?

 

-kurt

bump...

 

Did I ask a stupid question or something? No replies?

 

-kurt

The reason I did not answer was that I do not have the information you want, and I kinda assumed that you wanted correct answers. . .

The reason I did not answer was that I do not have the information you want, and I kinda assumed that you wanted correct answers. . .

Well... OK. You're off the hook. But I gotta think that someone out there has done the same thing, or at least thought the same thought. Then again, maybe folks just know what jobs to leave to the experts!

 

-kurt