can anyone tell me how the odometer works? by that I mean my speedometer works fine but the mileage isn't recording. is this an electrical problem or is it a mechanical one? a cable or something.3.6 auto. many thanks for any help recieved

 

Hi Brinny,

It would help if you listed the year of your car and your location.

Early XJS's used a cable drive speedo. Later models used a transducer.

I would say that if your speedo is working but the odometer is not then the problem is with the gauge itself.

I have personally had to repair odometers that became stuck and needed to be freed and lubricated to function again.

Mark

 

it is a 1987 uk car. how would I repair it if the speedo is working ok? many thanks for your help

 

If you have not repaired one before then you have to be careful. The odometer was not meant to be disassembled. It can be done but you have to be very careful not to break anything.

You have two other choices;

1. Send the gauge to a local repair shop to have it fixed (I'm sure there are some gauge shops in the UK)

2. Get another gauge from a breaker. If it works then you will have to decide if you want to adjust the odometer to the correct mileage or document the odometer somewhere on the car. (I'm not sure of the laws in the UK)

Mark

 

thanks for the help is there much involved in removing the instrument cluster from the dash/

 

The Palm book has a good guide to this.
Greg

 

Brinny,

The palm book is an excellent source for the removal of the instrument cluster. I found it so much easier when I removed the steering wheel. It makes the task very easy as then there are only a few things to do and you don't have to squeeze or contort yourself or the cluster !!! BTW the steering wheel comes off easily with a 13/15 socket. I use an air drill.
"Usually" the problem is that the metal pin that holds the mileage number sprockets has slipped on the end and does not allow for the numbers to rotate. The best site I found that explains the repair was on the Mercedes site: 450SL odometer repair - Mercedes-Benz Forum
I used a long trim nail to insert when removing the pin. Then I sanded the pin smooth with some 0000 paper then I made cuts in the pin with knife. You just have to have a good sense of humor doing this as nothing normally works out the way you want to do it when forced or in a rush...... It comes with time and a few drinks could also help !! lol
Ken in WV

 

Many thanks for your help. Might take it to a pro!!