Speedometer, odometer dead; engine cutout at 4,000 RPM

[DeanG]

We (wife & I) were in South Carolina this weekend at the BMW factory for the Euro Auto Fest. The speedometer and odometer stopped working (75,308 miles) and the engine now cuts out at approximately 4,000 RPM. The cutout is similar to that when the rev-limiter kicks in. This was particularly displeasing since a black Ferrari 360 convertible was just asking for it on a slow section of road.

Anyway, I managed to pull the speedometer cable out of the back of the instrument cluster. It doesn’t seem to spin at all. Does anyone have a suggestion? Is it as “simple” as replacing the cable? Has anyone done this? Is the job difficult?

[Nige]

I have a similar problem at the moment, my speedo works erratically and because of that the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) which sits above the cable on the back of the speedo is not getting a reading. This will give you a CEL (Check Engine Light) and a VSS fault code although it hasn't happened to me (yet) it could also cause the engine to go into limp home mode giving the effect you describe. If the cable is not turning then check the driven end of it which is on the differential at the back of the gearbox, access is the biggest problem here it may be that that end is loose (this is I suspect my problem as the transmission oil was changed at the last service and it is possible the garage did not reassemble the speedo drive correctly) alternatively the cable could have snapped in which case a replacement is required. I did a forum search when my problem started and found this thread http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4963&highlight=speedo which has more info and Candles site here http://elan.250free.com/boxoil.htm and here http://elan.250free.com/quaife.htm has some useful pictures to help you.

[matt_elan]

I too had thye same problems couple of months back. in my case thye cable was broken at gear box, as one of the cars sensors is a speed sensor, the car will not run right with out it. will often go in to limp mode as ur describing. get a new cable on there and she shud be back on track.
it can be a little tricky gettin behind dash. u will need to remove header tank and any thin else in ur way to get to gearbox end. im sur theres a wright up on the forum? try doin a search!

[Dave M]

http://lotuselancentral.com/repair/transaxleoil.htm

Here's a write up on the trans fluid change which will give you the location of the suspect gear. Make sure you soak the 10mm bolt that holds the gear in with WD40 or the like before trying to remove it. It is bad enough trying to get to it - you *really* don't want to strip it. If the gear is damaged, you may want to do a fluid change to remove any plastic bits floating around.

Good luck, Dean! Hope it's an easy fix.

[ESM]

I too had this problem but in my case the problem wasn't the cable (although it was replaced before this was determined) it was the speedometer itself.

[DeanG]

A new speedometer cable is winging its way to me courtesy of Dave Bean Engineering. At $35.23 it seems a bargain. The big questions that remain are 1) Can I actually get it installed 2) Will it fix the problem.

Thanks for your responses.

[Paul.P]

The big questions that remain are 1) Can I actually get it installed 2) Will it fix the problem.

Dean, 1) Its not technically demanding, just bloody akward, & helps if youve got small hands, oh, & lots of patience.
2) Well, we will see, won't we ?, but i would be surprised if it don't !
Best of luck, anyway

[Nige]

Well, I've established the cause of my speedo failure. An hour of digging around this afternoon established that the speedo drive had become unseated from the diff. It would appear that the apes that changed the transmission oil at the B&C service in August couldn't be bothered to free off the 10mm nut that holds the retaining plate, and sheared the stud instead. The stump is firmly in the diff housing and there is no retaining plate to be seen. Even if they didn't shear it, it would seem reasonable to tell me that the problem existed (unless of course they lied about changing the transmission oil). Westover Sports Cars in Poole, my local Lotus dealer and approved service centre will be invited to both explain and demonstrate how they intend to correct this on Monday, I am currently very grumpy

[muley]

...I am currently very grumpy

...and so you should be.

Dealers! Like the blokes at a reputable dealer who serviced the blue one B+C £800 quid plus in June. Er, did they top up the antifreeze with the heater system on? No, they left me to add the 3 litres extra it needed, oh and leaving the fan switch unplugged was another good trick. ****ing robbers, if you ask me. And don;t get me started on what they charged for stuffing up the rad on the black one. Grrrrrr.

Jim B

[Nige]

Just come off the phone to Westover! Car goes in on Wednesday for them to sort it, I have a loan car for 3 days. I think they will have to drop the gearbox to gain access to remove the old stud stump. In which case I might be fitting the clutch and flywheel sooner than I thought, now what about the quaife?

[DeanG]

All fixed. It took way to much time, approximately 8 hours. Curses to the wicked individual who had used a zip tie to connect the speedometer cable with a large bundle of wires deep in the dash. As a bonus I was able to remove the dead ladybug that was caught between the instrument cluster and its lens.