Speedo and mileometer not working

[Rachel]

HI. A while ago my speedo stopped working but it started up again shortly after....I didn't notice at the time if the miles where going round, but this time, as the speedo hasn't worked for a few days, I have noticed that the miles are not going round, along with the tripometer. Anyone got any ideas what this could be? As the whole dial doesn't work I'm thinking may be a connection in the dash?

Any help would be great.

Thank you.

[chriskay]

When this happened to me, a thump on the top of the dash above the speedo started it again. The actual cause was a poor connection in one of the plugs at the back of the dash, cured by removing the dash & squirting contact cleaner on the 2 plugs.

[Rachel]

Ok, thanks. I thought it might be that as the whole dial is dead. I guess if it was just the speedo it might have been the sender or what ever. Will have to bite the bullet and remove the dash - not done it before.

Thanks again

[chriskay]

There's a good how-to somewhere on the site. It's not difficult, just a bit daunting the first time. I'd recommend wearing a thin glove on the hand you use to release the plugs; they can be very tight, there's not much length on the loom & there's lots of things to scratch yourself on. Get some proper contact cleaner: don't use WD40.

[Rachel]

Cheers Chris. I have some contact cleaner already. I appreciate the advise - I'm now just debating whether to do it today or not

[Captain Slow]

This is the how to on dash removal: http://volvo480.northernscum.org.uk/for ... 24&t=14976

Its really quite easy, as is getting the speedo working again if its one of the plugs-when mine stops so far its just been one of the multiplugs going into the speedo unit, currently held in a solid position with some cunningly positioned elastic bands!

[Rachel]

Thanks very much for that. I didn't get around to it today, I just hit it, which worked a treat

[Big Brother]

The other problem with the speedo I found was flaking paint behind the pin which stopped it moving but it is more than likley a loose connection as with most things in the 480

[Rachel]

Cheers Adam. No flaking here though fortunately !

[buttercup]

Rachel you sound braver than I am at tackling your 480 problems!! My speedo and tripometer have not been working for 3 years but everything else does!! (at the moment) I kind of need a workshop and someone to pick up the pieces!! literally!! Good luck with yours.

[Rachel]

Still not done it yet though, but it only goes off line in hot weather!! Does the speedo not need to working for the mot? How do you get past that?

I think I'll get all new bulbs for the dash and then do it so I won't gave to do it again. Lol.

Atb.

[chriskay]

Still not done it yet though, but it only goes off line in hot weather!! Does the speedo not need to working for the mot? How do you get past that?

I think I'll get all new bulbs for the dash and then do it so I won't gave to do it again. Lol.

Atb.

Don't think they test the speedo on MOT: they don't drive it.
Don't go to Volvo for your bulbs; horribly expensive. Most motor factors will have them. You need 18 of the little warning lamp ones. 12 volt 1.2 watt. Code 286T I think. For the illumination you need 3. 12 volt 3 watt. Don't have the code, but these are bulb only, which push into the holders. For the halogen lamp for the infocenter you probably have to pay Volvo's price.

[ChrisRidett]

Speedo not tested on UK Mot. Mine passed it with the speedo not working - doesnt even generate an advisory.

My speedo only works in warm weather, winter makes it fail..
I've stripped mine out twice now the only thing now not working is the high beam warning light - prob need to fix that before the next mot...