Speedometer not working

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May 23, 2020 | 12:13 AM
  #1  
Quote: Hi and welcome aboard.

Series IIIs are great cars. Built like tanks and drive like velvet.

Best to post technical questions in the model-specific sections ad make sure to include the year

Cheers
DD
Quote: Welcome to the Forums.

What part of our Island is home to you?

Also the year of the beast will help a lot.

I suggest a re-ask in the XJ6/12 (S1/2/3) Tech Section. Doug in Seattle will see it, and he is the S3 Guru in my Opinion.

Good luck.

​​​​​​Thanks for all your speedy replies.
so my car is 1981 Jaguar XJ6 series 3.
So the problem is the speedometer is not working at all. I can attached some photos below maybe thats might help more than I explain it. Also I have no idea how to take off the speedometer, I've tried to take off the thing beside it and see whether I can take the speedometer out but unfortunately I couldn't? Do I have to remove all dashboard to do it?



I am in Western Australia. I guess you all is in US?
I think I just got Guru S3 replying my post, glad for it.
Reply 0
May 23, 2020 | 12:47 AM
  #2  
Since yours is an '81 it'll have he cable drive speedometer as opposed to the electric version of the later cars.

Anyhow.....

Since the odometer works we know that the drive mechanism at the transmission and the cable must be OK. As I see it the problem must be in the instrument itself. Almost surely an easy fix for an instrument repair specialist. They're still around but perhaps not on every street corner like the old days.

The speedo is removed by pressing it inward firmly while simultaneously rotating it about a quarter turn. Since yours is a RHD model you should turn it clockwise, as I recall. If not, anti-clockwise . It takes quite a bit of pressure so don't be bashful

Cheers
DD
Reply 1
May 23, 2020 | 01:21 AM
  #3  
Quote: Since yours is an '81 it'll have he cable drive speedometer as opposed to the electric version of the later cars.

Anyhow.....

Since the odometer works we know that the drive mechanism at the transmission and the cable must be OK. As I see it the problem must be in the instrument itself. Almost surely an easy fox for an instrument repair specialist. They're still around but perhaps not on every street corner like the old days.

The speedo is removed by pressing it inward firmly while simultaneously rotating it about a quarter turn. Since yours is a RHD model you should turn it clockwise, as I recall. If not, anti-clockwise . It takes quite a bit of pressure so don't be bashful

Cheers
DD
OMG, you are right, I followed what you've told me and I managed to take it out after a few tries. Thanks. I've checked some car instruments specialist that close to my place, unfortunately they are all a bit far away from me. There is one not too far from me but closed down due to covid19 effect i think.

Do you reckon is there any other way I could probably check it or fix it by myself for now?
​​​​​​

This is what the inside look like, what should I check it first
myself?
Reply 0
May 23, 2020 | 08:49 AM
  #4  
You could fully remove the speedometer from the car and open it up for a look-see....but I couldn't tell you what to look for specifically. Something might jump out at you.

Repairing instruments is delicate work, a bit like repairing clocks. I've never delved into it, personally, for fear of bollixing things up.

I'd wrap it up in a box and send it off to a professional. That's just me.

Or......

Find a good second hand replacement? Here's in the 'States, at least, used Series III instruments are a dime a dozen. I have a slew of spares in box myself.

Cheers
DD
Reply 0
May 23, 2020 | 08:52 AM
  #5  
Quote: ...... I've checked some car instruments specialist that close to my place, unfortunately they are all a bit far away from me. There is one not too far from me but closed down due to covid19 effect i think. ......
Once it gets beyond the cable or angle drive, repairing the instrument itself is not really a DIY job and best left to a specialist. Is your postal service not working due to the pandemic?

Graham
Reply 0
May 23, 2020 | 12:34 PM
  #6  
Welcome to our Forum. Members are from all over the world, but like you said, most are US or Canada. Note that the later Series III cars have an electronic speedometer so if you get a replacement be sure you get a cable drive one.

As Doug said, used ones are plentiful at Jaguar salvage yards. While we are on the subject, the plentiful supply of used ones and the fact that they pop in and out so easily is the reason buyers should always view with suspicion the odometer reading on a car they are thinking about buying. Documented car history is the only way to verify milage.

Jeff
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