Breaking news on speedometer

[Fubar1764]

Driving today, I noticed the speedo started to have its moments. At stop, I'd take off. The needle either stays at 0 or operates as normal. Once engaged, the needle continues to read until I come to a complete stop. Then it either works or doesn't.
While under way, it seems that the speedo might engage when I shift or hit an expansion joint in the concrete. This suggests to me the issue is mechanical and due to some worn gear somewhere.
Thoughts anyone?

[Doc Fizzix]

Thoughts anyone?

Just one, your car it ready to self-destruct, run and hide!

[Fubar1764]

Just one, your car it ready to self-destruct, run and hide!

Too late! Already had a guy run a stop sign to help in the destruction. Now I get to deal with insurance! You call it negotiating, they call it being a pain in the arse, I call it doing God's work!

[Doug]

Do you have a picture of the offending vehicle??


could be the speedo gear has popped up at the tranny housing fill plug spot (see tranny oil change info)

[Simon_P]

The spedo gear - Make shure that it is properly in mesh - it can be assembled and not in mesh.

Simon

[DeanG]

I hope the insurance and car repair works out for you. Assuming it does and that you still have the speedometer problem here is my 2 cents. Seems like a cable problem. Its not an easy fix, be sure to look at all the assocatied write ups on this site.

Note that when the cable breaks the ECU doesn't get the necessary information and limits you to 4000 rpm. I know this since mine broke at EuroFest (BMW plant in South Carolina) exactly one year ago.

[Fubar1764]

Thanks Dean. Still working things out with insurance. This will take a while since their estimate for me was an order of magnitude less than the body shop's. I told the body shop I wanted to deal directly with the insurer since I have a better understanding of the car and the law than he did. He was all too happy not to have to deal with the insurer!
Funny, the speedo's gone fine. I've never had this issue come up again. How odd! But, if it's not one thing, then it's the Elan. The passenger light won't come up! Rebuild time!