speedo transmitter on 88 spider

alfamarty · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2004, 06:55 PM

how do you troubleshoot the little magic box that I presume converts the speedo cable to an electronic signal for the speedo to read? I asked this question before then I went to europe for a few weeks including Italy and almost cried when I saw the many alfa models we are missing including the new gt ---so I don't know if I got any responses and if I did thanks----Marty

alfa_corse · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 08:39 AM

Check the speedo cable. It often wears out on the rectangular 'drive' end right at the transmitter. Also check for a broken cable; just tug lightly on it to see if it has a break.

I've never had to 'shoot the electronic sender; you might be able to get a replacement for cheap from www.apedirect.com if you find that yours is failed. I'm not even sure if that unit is powered or if it just 'generates' an electric signal/voltage.

MrT · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 02:37 PM

I used an electric drill with a Robertson (square drive) bit to turn the speedo sender. When we got our '86 Graduate, its speedo/odo didn't work, but the tach did. Spun the sender (ignition key on to supply power) and found the odo working but not the speedo. After some road vibration was judiciously applied, replacement of the speedo cable drive gear in the tranny caused the odo _and_ the speedo to work again. Then the odo quit and the tach has become intermittent..... but the speedo works like gangbusters!

michael

alfamarty · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2004, 09:39 PM

great idea on the drill motor--it's great to have this bulletin board --I was trying to imagine some sort of extension on the speedo cable with a spare speedometer inside the car --I usually try to make life harder on myself--there are three wires from the "magic box" one is a ground one probably a supply voltage and the other would ( I'm guessing ) send a signal to the speedo

88 spider ,88 verde ,72 gtv ,73 911