24 replies to this topic

[soulman123]

focus 1.8 ghia 2004 petrol

Driving along near home, raining, wipers and heater on 2 came off a roundabout and going in a straight line Speedo dropped from 30 and I screamed like a little girl... 10 seconds later it was back. I put my sat nav on went for a drive and its speed seems to tally with the sat nav bar the 3mph difference at 30. It seems fine now .. but when reversing not say under 10 is does not move ?

What could be up here ?

very odd fault well one I have never had.
thanks for any help

[artscot79]

given the year the speed sensor on the gearbox is the likely culprit the speedo only will drop out momentarily it will play up now and again just beware it can cut all power to the car

[Stoney871]

+1

[soulman123]

evening art,

Crickey about losing all power. I will keep an eye on it and if it does it again I will dust the Haynes off and change it.

I popped in my local garage and he reckons with all the rain it may have as shorted momentarily. He said keep and eye on it for the next two weeks and if it does it again or more frequently they would change that first.

Interes ting I called the my local ford service department he said 90% of the time its the Speedo cluster and they will supply and fit for £99 which sounds cheap. But if its the speed sensor its 180! he said the soldier joint crack and loose contact on the back of Ty he c luster so they change and re code it. Also mentioned why my local garage said and he said its a possibility and best to see how it goes and if it fails again to book it in.

The speed sensor is £48.06 + 1.08 for a clip. not sure how simple this is to change.

he Saud look out for warning lights coming on and off and the temp gauge going up and down all point to a faulty Speedo cluster. Along with lack of power and possible stalling.

Thanks for the post art, I will keep my eyes peeled and post back any further issues.

[soulman123]

evening to you too stoney

I was just wondering should I just change it to error on the side of caution or keep an eye on it.

out of interest and to see what I'm letting myself in for is there a guide tv or this job ? lol providing I can find a dry afternoon

thanks

[artscot79]

its rarely the cluster only if all the dials are playing up is it a cluster fault if its just a speedo issue its the sensor and the mechanic knows that a cluster fault effects the whole cluster so speedo and revs drop out various warning lights flash dials sweep on their own

changing the sensor depends on how rusted the clip is the sensor and clip can snap causing a headache i would have ford change it

[Stoney871]

If it's the sensor them the Speedo will drop, engine power will go down by about 25% and the odometer won't go up.
The cluster is a recognised fault. That's why ford do it cheap.
The sensor is a bit of a git sometimes, they tend to be in very tight and can snap off leaving half the sensor stuck in the casing.
You can buy the sensor and a new pin on eBay for about £25 including the pin-
http://pages.ebay.co...id=280890729144

[soulman123]

Ahhh so this definitely points to the sensor.

It's behaved so far today. But for peace of mind/safety I will get it changed or have a go. Bit hesitant at the latter in case half of it breaks plus this pin from searching sounds a pain and awkward. Interesting people have managed to do it from above by moving the airbox ducting, not sure if that made is easier. Sounds more straight forward going in under. I may pass given the weather. Working at my snail pace no doubt would be battling for 3 hours lol if it goes well hehe.

thanks for the link stoney, just the ticket.

[Stoney871]

Welcome mate, it may also be worth checking the wiring to the sensor, there have been cases of damage occurring.
I'd aso try disconnecting the plug and giving it a blast of WD40 too in case water has entered the contacts then sealing with vaseline or grease.

[soulman123]

That's a good idea stoney. I pray for dry weather this weekend to jack it up and see what's what.

I bet the ford service guy knew full well it was this and kindly suggested I get the cluster done knowing I'd have to get the speed sensor done too lol ... maybe I'm being too suspicious. Although after my previous car a vw golf, the main dealer duped me once and I've been a bit once bitten .... since.

At least the eBay part is not too bad cost wise compared to the ford one.

have a good evening chaps

[LankJohn]

had my speed sensor changed yesterday. Mechanic said always get the pin as they snap and they are a bugger, he has snapped a couple before due to some o rings that lock it in or something.

My cars fine now though, was the same symptons as yours

[Stoney871]

9 out of 10 times it's the sensor.
It can be a pig to change but worth it to get rid of that annoying drop of the needle and loss of power.

[trevorrg22]

Hi,
I just got my Focus 1.8 last week. It's done 108k but has FSH so I figured it should be reliable.

I've noticed the speedo drop three or four times since then. I guess I should check out the connections
to the VSS and try spraying with WD40 incase it's got a bit damp and then get it replaced if that doesn't
sort it out.

[artscot79]

if its the cluster it would be speedo drops out battery light illuminates randomly etc if its the speedo its just the vss

[soulman123]

Did it today. Was a got to get out, the pin was not the issue well for me a bit awkward but getting the sensor out was. Took a few goes. Only advice is get at it straight and do your best

One more job crossed off my list lol ok that was the only job on my list hehe

Thanks again for the great helpful advice thumbs up