91 Q45a intermittant speedometer

[Aboz]

The last few days my speedometer has been dropping off and jumping down to 0 mph while driving, my steering wheel gets harder to turn when this happens, and if it stays at zero for more than 20 seconds or so the ACTSUS light comes on.

I'd think the speed sensor in the transmission is the problem since the variable assist on the power steering is going crazy but I can get the speedometer to work after couple hard hits with my palm on the dashboard by the hazard light switch. Sometimes after I hit it, it's fine for a couple miles, sometimes it acts up again in a couple seconds.

I've pulled the gauge cluster twice now, tightening all screws in the gauge unit and cleaning all the connectors in the dash with electrical cleaner, the problem goes away for about 5 miles then starts again.

Any ideas what else I should try?

Thanks-

-Andy

[Q45tech]

The speedo assembly takes the speed sensor signal and translates the frequency into a zero to 5 volt [200 mph] signal.

The intergrated circuit also feeds isolation amplifiers which distribute the signal voltage to the different systems [speedo, abs, ps control unit, tcu, ecu, cruise control computer]........the solution is to swap speedo assembly and replace old odometer into new assembly.

Buy a gauge cluster [90-93 only] on ebay or a junk yard and replace everything.......save old one for spare parts as everything in the cluster assembly would cost $2,800!

[Aboz]

Thanks, will I require a Q45a cluster? whats the difference besides the extra ACTSUS and height lights?

-Andy
Modified by Aboz at 2:59 PM 9/4/2004