Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Speedo's on the fritz

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-21-2010, 08:54 PM
  #1  
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
 
theangler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default Speedo's on the fritz

My speedometer has been stopping and starting to work while driving. It'll drop to zero and then back up sometimes it's only for a second, others for minutes. Anyone have this issue? Trying to see where I should start.

Thanks!
Old 03-21-2010, 09:24 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
96Cherokee113's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

The connector in the back of the gauge cluster is probably loose or needs cleaning. It takes about 10 mins to remove the cluster, so it's worth pulling it out to see if everything's connected tight.
Old 03-22-2010, 05:59 AM
  #3  
Member
 
SweetLou's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Put your fingers in all corners, and push it back. I have a 98, and the plugs are solid mounted to the dash, so they come loose over time, no big deal.
Old 03-22-2010, 06:25 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
radio flyer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Highlands Ranch Co.
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1985 shell
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1996 6 cylinder Briggs & Stratton
Default

Check these ground wires. Solved my speedo issues after hours of chasing wires. The setup is diff. for 1991. They are right behind the oil dipstick on the pass. side.
Old 03-22-2010, 07:32 AM
  #5  
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
 
theangler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default

Thanks guys, I'll check my ground points under the hood and pop the gauge cluster out to have a look!
Old 03-22-2010, 08:28 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
98jeepsrt6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Miami,Fl
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L6 Srt
Default

i had this same problem on my 98 but was nothing electrical.. check sensor vss (vehicle speed sensor) as well as the speedo gear in the tranny.
Old 03-23-2010, 01:21 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
98jeepsrt6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Miami,Fl
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L6 Srt
Default

Have you found/fix the problem??
Old 03-23-2010, 11:54 PM
  #8  
Member
 
dyegunswin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

the '91s still had a cable-driven speedo. take the cable loose and remove the whole cluster. make sure the cable turns freely and isnt getting bound up. if it doesnt replace the cable. once that is verified replace the cluster, making sure the cable connections are tight. also check for cable tightness on the transfer case end. if this doesnt fix the problem check the speedo gear in the transfer case (not a likely cause though).
Old 03-24-2010, 12:01 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
flexin91xj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Westminster Colorado
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1991 (2-door)
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Sorry if Im thread stealing but...
I have a 91 and when I took my gauge cluster out, I saw no cable for the so called cable driven speedo. Just a bunch of wires. Ive read everywhere that 91s are cable driven speedos. Am I missing something? My speedo gear in my t-case is a long shaft which is said to be cable driven as compared to the short shaft that is electronic.
Old 03-24-2010, 09:12 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
radio flyer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Highlands Ranch Co.
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1985 shell
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1996 6 cylinder Briggs & Stratton
Default

There may be a few early 91 xj's with the full cable out there, but iv'e never ran across any! 1991 is the break year for several things. That being said- cables do wear out, and can destroy the speedometer pinion at the transfer case.
Old 04-27-2010, 10:55 PM
  #11  
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
 
theangler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default

When I pulled the gauge cluster, no cable either. It is electrical. The speedo's been working for the most part (cuts out occasionally) I've still yet to check the grounds in the engine compartment.
Old 04-28-2010, 12:59 PM
  #12  
Member
 
cokeicee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by theangler
When I pulled the gauge cluster, no cable either. It is electrical. The speedo's been working for the most part (cuts out occasionally) I've still yet to check the grounds in the engine compartment.
I have the 92 sport and my vss went out, I'm replace the speedo on friday when it arrives. I'll tell you if that works but mine did the same thing kept going up and down and would stop even knowing speed was going up but i checked all the other wires so i ordered a speedo.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SergeK
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
02-27-2023 03:38 PM
15XJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
09-10-2015 11:17 PM
SixShooterXJCherokee
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
08-30-2015 08:06 PM
Jesse James
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
06-17-2009 02:26 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Speedo's on the fritz



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:28 PM.