TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Dec 30, 2002 11:24 pm

I recently replaced my speedo cable in my 64 beetle and the rubber grommet in the hub. Afterwards, the lights in my speedo havn't worked right. When I turn the lights on, they work fine. The minute I start to move the car they dim. The gas gauge light is fine all the whiles. When I come to a stop they are bright again. Reving the engine alone has no affect, only when the car is moving. Now, when I disconnect the speedo bable from the unit, the lights dim, reconnect it and they are bright. HELP!!! Any ideas would be appreciated.

Tue Dec 31, 2002 2:05 am

only things i could think of is to check the screws that hold the speedo in place to the dash, make sure they are tight. check all ground and power wires. maybe a contact bent when you put the cable in and it grounds out when the cable moves. who knows, just couble check all connections

Tue Dec 31, 2002 9:42 am

I agree, you disturbed something and caused the speedo cable to have to function as the ground. Once it starts moving, both ends are greased and the quality of the connection deteriorates. Try putting an ohmmeter between the speedo housing and a known ground and then do it again with the speedo cable disconnected. That should confirm.
Chris
JHC

Tue Dec 31, 2002 10:25 am

Wild idea: could the metal collar that fastens the speedo cable to the speedometer be touching something electrical back there?

Tue Dec 31, 2002 1:38 pm

Thanks for the advice. I forgot to mention that the car is still 6 volt.
Will try the connections and the and make sure all is tight and right....
RT

Thu Jan 02, 2003 1:01 pm

Update: Checked the screws that hold the speedo to the dash, the one behind the bracket that holds the speaker in place was not tight. Tightened it and all is well with the world.
Thanks for the help.
Rob Tyree

Thu Jan 02, 2003 1:36 pm

We feel your happiness, man...