How can I troubleshoot my non-working speedometer?

[dperkinstx]

The speedometer on my '98 GTX RFi isn't working. I know there are at least two things that could be malfunctioning: the sensor wheel and the gauge itself. Is there a way to troubleshoot these parts? Perhaps with a multimeter? Is there a fuse that could be blown?

Thanks

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

if you have the FSM you can determine how to test the paddle wheel.

From experience, 90% of the failures are the paddlewheel, if the rest of the gauge works.

 

[soccerdad]

My 96 GTX has a speedo problem as well. I have the manual, but am confused on how to test the sensor.

"Speed Sensor
To check if the speed sensor is operational, disconnect
the speed sensor connector housing
from inside bilge.
Using an appropriate terminal remover, remove
the PURPLE / YELLOW and BLACK / ORANGE
wires from the tab housing.
Reconnect the PURPLE / YELLOW and BLACK /
ORANGE wires in the receptacle housing.
Connect the positive probe of a voltmeter to
speed sensor PURPLE / YELLOW wire and the
negative probe to speed sensor BLACK / ORANGE
wire.
Depress the start / stop button to activate the delay
timer.
Spin the paddle wheel. There should be a voltage
fluctuation."

Are you actually pulling the pins out of the connector for this test? Anyone done it that can translate the above directions?

If the sensor is bad, is it serviceable (hacked) or is it just a replace? Mine is intermittent. Sometimes it works at higher speeds, other times it does not.

 

[Onemorecast]

Yes the tool is called a weather pack pin remover.

 

[Mickirig1]

Your little star wheel should rotate freely. Give it a good flick and it should turn freely about 20 times. I have 2 GTI's, one the spedo worked the other not. I discovered the nonworker was jammed with gravel and sand. Cleaned it out, still not turning freely. I used WD40, would rotate the wheel, rinsing out sand from the shaft and wheel bushing. Turns like the working one. Have not taken it out yet for the true test.

 

[soccerdad]

Thanks. The star turns well. I think I figured out the service manual directions. I pulled the pins out of the sensor side connector and plugged them in directly to the other side if the connector. This lets you connect the volt meter. Mine tested at 8.67 volts static and varied down to 8.2 volts when I spin the star. So I guess that passes the test. I will check up stream for loose connections. Here is a pix of the test.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

My 96 GTX has a speedo problem as well. I have the manual, but am confused on how to test the sensor.

Spin the paddle wheel. There should be a voltage
fluctuation."

Are you actually pulling the pins out of the connector for this test? Anyone done it that can translate the above directions?

You can dissassemble the connector and reconnect the pins together or you can simply back probe the connector using straight pins, such as a hat pin (I do it this way).

Here's the internal electrical schematic of the speedo sensor used on my Seadoo (it doesn't have 3rd wire for water temp):

When the sensor detects the magnet's presense, it turns on and the voltage is ~5.6 volts and when the magnet moves away and the sensor turns off, the voltage rises to around 8~9 volts