Speedo Sensor 2 or 3 wire

[Ryan Cassidy]

I did some searching on the forum but haven't been able to figure out the issue. I have a bad feeling I'm just going to have to bite the bullet.

1997 XP - 2 wire sensor - It went bad....

Bought a 3-wire 278000276 for $50 as I understood you just don't use the Temp (yellow wire). However, when I do this the speedo goes all sorts of whack on me. It goes up and down with throttle blips (20mph swings), moves when I use the VTS and in about 50% of the time it just doesn't register anything.

Any thoughts or any tricks with getting the 3-wire one to work instead of having to drop $150 on a 2 wire one? 278001998

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ryan Cassidy]

Sorry wrong forum.... Can a mod Move? Apologies!

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

and you know the $50 one was in perfect, 100% new OEM working condition before you hooked it up?

you can usually press the start key (lanyard OFF) and use a garden hose to spin the wheel and see if it reads ok.

I never buy used electrical stuff any more... not worth the hassle to hook it up only to have it not work...

 

[Ryan Cassidy]

Actually I don't.... But it does the same thing either in the water or out of the water. I have contacted the seller and asked for a replacement. It was supposed to be a 100% NEW OEM Working condition from a reputable company frequented on this board. etc. Hopefully I'll hear back this morning on it.

Anyone know if using a 3 wire on a 2 wire will work? I just didn't use the Yellow Wire (and I tried both to test but only the red did anything).

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

yes, the 2 and 3 wire are the same. 3rd wire is the temp sensor.

just need to make sure to use the correct 2 wires.

if you have the Factory Service Manual it describes how to test the sensor on a work bench with a multimeter.

 

[Ryan Cassidy]

So further research has found that some of the 3 and 2 wire sensors are interchangeable. Pre 1997 the 3 wire ones will not work with our two wire ski's and in 1996 there is a mix of 2 and 3 wires to which the 3 wires won't work. In short you do not want to the Red/Black/Yellow three wire (ie 278000276).

still trying to track down a new 3 wire or 2 wire at a decent price.

 

[68ragtop]

These can create some confusion because there are two wire passive speed sensors, three wire active sensors & then there are three wire passive that incorporate the lake temp sensor. I got schooled on this a year ago when I added a speed sensor on my GSX. I think Lou also ran into this if memory serves. I will see if I can find the thread & will post it if I can.


68RT

 

[68ragtop]

Found it

you could skip forward to post #9

the style sensor depends on the gauge/cluster you have some used a voltage signal, some used a passive. if you had a two wire sensor, then its a passive system & the 3 wire with lake temp should work. if you bought an active 3 wire sensor without temp, its not going to work.

here's the link: http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?57085-Speed-Sensor-Question&highlight=wire+speed

 

[Ryan Cassidy]

Sweet.. so I'm on the right track.. I need to get one with the PU/OR and BLk/OR (IE Passive 2 wire) or a Passive 3 wire with BLK/OR, TAN/OR , PU/OR. The one I had must have been an "active" 3 wire. The hunt continues for the right part Good information. My neighbor just bought the same model so i'm sure I'll be fixing his as well in due time. LOL

 

[Ryan Cassidy]

Well I found a sensor 278001668 that was a 2 wire. Bought it for $65 new (ebay) and its on the ski and working perfectly. $50 lesson (still have the old sensor if anyone needs it) but it was a learning experience non the less Thanks for everyones help.

 

[68ragtop]

Great news!

So, you just joined the club that Lou & I both belong too. (And I am sure there are others) We did the same exact thing.
Your not alone..

I threw mine on ebay & recouped 70% of my investment from the wrong part.