My speedometer doesn't work! Is this a standard problem?

[evintho]

Just pickup up a '92 240 sx. My speedo doesn't work. It usually sits on 0 but occasionally jumps up to whatever speed, flutters, then falls back down. Is this an inherent problem with 240's? Could it be the cable or something else? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[The Mic]

I had an '89 and experienced the same problem that you are describing, it was the speedo sensor. The Speed Sensor is on the right hand side of the transmission just at the end where the drive shaft comes in.

To check it's operation, remove the sensor and measure the voltage (A.C.) across the 2- terminals. Spin the pinion quickly and you should get approx. 0.5V A.C. The sensor is @ $60 from NISSAN if I remember correctly and isn't very difficult to change yourself. Just make sure you drain the transmission before you do so.

[eddiec]

yep what S13GUY said. make sure its plugged up properly. it'll look like any other sensor. maybe the connector is loose or shorted since you say it works intermittently.

also when you pull the sensor the fluid will drain. unless you already drained it get a bucket to catch it. or if your really fast you could put the new one in there real quick and might not loose too much fluid. but it might be a good time for a fluid change while your at it.

[SimpleEnigma]

Yeah...i had the same problem not to long ago...turns out, the locking nut that holds the speedo cable to the transmission had worked itself loose....