Speedometer Flat-line; intermittently of course!!??

[XPLRN]

Hello,

I've got a 1991 Plymouth Acclaim that was originally my parents car before they passed on. I "inherited" it with 53K miles on it and it's been a great backup car for my girlfriend and I to do point A to point B stuff. It's now got got about 78K on it and has been super reliable......except recently the speedometer/odometer assembly doesn't want to play. I was able to get it to work a couple of times by slapping the top of the dash. That doesn't work any more.....I about broke the dash today trying!!

Anyways........what powers the speedo assembly is it all electric off of a sensor in the transmission or??????? The car did come from back east so there might be some corrosion in a connector??

Any information to point me in the right direction would be appreciated!!

[Tonatom]

Speed Distance sensor,
Top of right output shaft on Tranny
Change out, a Hastle but not a hard job
$100 bucks at most for 1
Or could be the gear on the back of the speedo/odo itself.

[itsbudda]

probably the gear in the speedometer if hitting the dashboard worked.

[XPLRN]

Thanks 'Tonatom' and 'itsbudda' for your replies!! Let me see if I'm understanding this correctly; there is an electric signal being generated by the speed distance sensor(I did wiggle the wiring on that sensor now that I know what it is) that then goes up to the dash to the speedometer/odometer assembly where it's converted back to a mechanical/analog function?? Does this signal get utilized by the computer for any of it's decision making.......as it seems to run just fine!??? Is there any way of easily checking the gear in the speedometer/odometer assembly.......guess I'll have to inquire as to what the best way to remove that assembly is as I've never taken one out before. Does the gear in the speedometer go bad often as it's a pretty low milage vehicle!??

[NAJ]

The Controller does use Vehicle Speed Sensor for Timing and Idle Control,also for Cruise Control and Lock Up Torque Converter. If there is a problem with the VSS Circuit a Code 15 will be Set. Keep in mind that the Circuit Splits before the VSS and runs to the Cluster,if the problem is in the Circuit to the Cluster the Controller does not Monitor that Line.
One of the Biggest Problems with Gauge Malfunction is Cracked Solder Joints on the Instrument Cluster Circuit Board,remove the Cluster and Reflow all of the Solder Joints.
My Odometer stopped working at 80K but I used my Trip Odometer for Fuel and Reset it every week then it just stopped after a Reset so I knew what happened.
There is a Thread about Repairing the Gears if that is what needs to be done I can never remember where it is. Evertime I Post this someone will Post the Location,it should probably be a "Sticky".
If you need any more Info or How to Remove the Cluster just Post Back.

[charger R/T]

speedo gear link
Chrystler Dodge
what engine is in this car and is it a manual trans 3 speed auto or 4 speed auto in it?
Tim

[NAJ]

YUP there it is!!!! I think TDer's can communicate telepathically.

[charger R/T]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NAJ YUP there it is!!!! I think TDer's can communicate telepathically.

No I just follow you around and am good at knowing where this stuff is. Actually I know I posted this before so I look back in my posts under quick links to the thread it was in and repost the link. It works pretty quick if you have a good idea how long ago it was posted. Next week I'll have 2 recent posts with this in so it will be even easier to find. I must have 8 posts on the headlight module repair link.
Tim

[NAJ]

I think that links like these that are referred to often should be "Stickys" so the info is readily available to everyone.

[XPLRN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by charger R/T speedo gear link Chrystler Dodge what engine is in this car and is it a manual trans 3 speed auto or 4 speed auto in it? Tim

Thanks 'NAJ' and 'chargerR/T' for your responses.

Tim, the car has a 3-speed 413 automatic. I "think" it's got a lockup TC although I don't know how to verify that......however I'm betting you or someone else might!!

Also what is the procedure to removing the speedometer assembly in the 1991 Plymouth Acclaim??? Is it a major PIA or a basic procedure.......I'm pretty mechanically adept so lay it on me.

[NAJ]

This info is from a 1990 Chrysler FWD Service Manual.Should be similar.
To be sure check the cluster bezel for attaching screws before proceding.
When disengaging the clips on the cluster bezel take caution not to pull
extremely hard,start at the bottom left and attempt to disengage the clips
one at a time so you do not crack/break the bezel.
1) Disconnect battery to assure no airbag system faults are stored.
2) Remove cluster bezel ;
a) On column shift vehicles place column shifter in neutral position
b) On tilt steering column vehicles, adjust tilt range to lowest position
c) Pull cluster bezel rearward to disengage eleven (11) clips.
3) On column shift vehicles ;
a) Remove lower steering column cover
b) Disconnect gearshift indicator wire
4) Remove four (4) screws attaching cluster housing to base panel.
5) Pull cluster rearward, reach behind cluster and disconnect wiring harness
6) Remove cluster assembly
Reverse procedure to install.
Note : Be sure to adjust shift indicator wire to read proper gear selection.

[charger R/T]

Quote:

Originally Posted by XPLRN Thanks 'NAJ' and 'chargerR/T' for your responses. Tim, the car has a 3-speed 413 automatic. I "think" it's got a lockup TC although I don't know how to verify that......however I'm betting you or someone else might!! Also what is the procedure to removing the speedometer assembly in the 1991 Plymouth Acclaim??? Is it a major PIA or a basic procedure.......I'm pretty mechanically adept so lay it on me.

3 speeds and 4 speeds are not hard to tell apart. look at the area the dipstick is at. The 3 speed will at the most have the 2 wires for the lock up if it is lock up. The 4 speed will have a valve block with a harness with like 8 or 10 wires. The operation of the speedo is differant on the 4 speed units. I think the early ones still used the speed sensor but the later didn'y use it and ran the speedo off the output speed sensor of the trans NAJ should be able to answer that question.
Tim

[NAJ]

Is this a 2.2/2.5L TBI or a 3.0L?
I do not have specific info for an AA Body(Spirit/Acclaim) but I do have a Chrysler Powertrain Diagnostics Manual for 91/92 3.0L (All Body Styles) and the 3.0L uses a Distance Sensor Module that is part of the Cluster.

[XPLRN]

It's a 2.5L TBI and the transmission I.D. is unknown at the moment as the car is at my GF's house, it's her daily driver at the moment.

chargerR/T; when you refer to a 3-speed and a 4-speed automatic is that forward gear ratios available?? I'm pretty sure it's a 3-speed 413 automatic. The thing I don't know is if it's got a lock-up TC?? I was wondering how you can tell if it's got a lock-up torque converter??

[NAJ]

The additional forward gear in a 4 Speed Auto Trans is Overdrive.
From Chrysler" The lockup torque converter is standard on all vehicles except vehicles equipped with turbo-charged engines."
The A-413 is a Standard 3 Speed Auto Trans
The A-604 is a 4 Speed Electronic Auto Trans
The A-413 Trans uses a 2 Pin VSS.