Series III Speedometer cable question

[CRiordan01]

About a week ago, my odometer stopped turning over; I can see the unit trying to advance the counter to the next mile, but something isn't properly engaging. A day or so later, it stopped showing vehicle speed. Figuring a cable issue I tried to replace the speedometer cable with a new Series III cable, but when I popped the dash open to unhook the existing cable, I realized it looks different than my replacement. The cable that is in there doesn't appear to have a screw tip; instead it has some kind of clear / whitest plastic piece on the end where it mounts to the speedometer. I can't pull the dash panel out very far, so I can only see it a little from the side (a lot of blind reaching going on), but the existing cable doesn't appear to unscrew. I am now questioning if my speedometer is from an earlier series or a defender given how the cable is attached (and requiring a non-series III cable). I believe the current speedometer was installed when the vehicle was brought over to the US about 10 years ago, so it is possible that it is from another model rover. Any suggestions?

[morgant]

Since I'm in the middle of disassembling my SIII and did this a few weeks ago: there's a plastic clip on the side of the black plastic (in my case) hood/receptacle that needs to be released so you can pull the cable out. It was frustrating to release with the dash not pulling out very far, but once released the cable will just pull out. It's shown in the Green Bible, if you have one. If not, I can try to get the specifics for you later.

[CRiordan01]

morgant -

Your comment is helpful - the plastic bit looked like a clip but I was having a terrible time getting it to do anything. I will take another stab at it tonight.

[SafeAirOne]

Step 3 pretty much sums it up:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/10075821404_3155e8ac5b_z.jpg

[morgant]

Yup, exactly what I was going to look up for Corey. Thanks, Mark!

[disco2hse]

The cable that is in there doesn't appear to have a screw tip; instead it has some kind of clear / whitest plastic piece on the end where it mounts to the speedometer.

Yes, the later model cables have a whitish plastic clip that you can squeeze to undo. Earlier/original ones had an orangney coloured plastic shaped more like the one in the service manual. They both do the same job.


I can't pull the dash panel out very far, so I can only see it a little from the side (a lot of blind reaching going on), but the existing cable doesn't appear to unscrew.

You might find it easier to undo the two thumb screws that hold the speedo into the dash and pull it forward and out of the dash. Then you can get at the cable and check the condition of the wires (they can get pretty corroded and brittle).


I am now questioning if my speedometer is from an earlier series or a defender given how the cable is attached (and requiring a non-series III cable).

It is a series cable, by the sound of it.

http://www.lrseries.com/shop/product/listing/2233/90623054-SERIES-3-LHD-SPEEDOCABLE.html?search=speedo%20cable&page=1

http://www.lrseries.com/resources/user/d2772e6613f072c1586d6b0b08731f4466b37894/90623054-SERIES-3-RHD-SPEEDOCABLE.jpg

Beware the Britpart rubbish. I recently had to replace one and went through every britpart cable in the shop. Every single one was kinked at the speedo end. That was after I'd bought and replaced with two other because the speedo was jumping about crazily.

In the end, I went and got one made. Much thicker spring and very good.

[CRiordan01]

All,

Thanks for the feedback. Alan, I will take your advice and go the thumb screw route. Have a nice weekend - great time of year to be bouncing around country roads in the series.