Thread: Strange Speedo readings TD5 Defender

Originally Posted by Snapper.VTR

Following the excellent advice in this thread I can tell you that the TD5 Defender speedo is electronic, however the needle is a simple press fit, and mine shifted about 25km below zero.

Remove the instrument panel, disconect the wiring from the speedo, unscrew the colar that holds the speedo to the panel (hold the white bit and turn the black bit). The speedo comes out and you can very gently prise the black metal sleeve that holds the glass in place off the white plastic shell. The glass can then be gently pried free, don't worry about the odometer button it will come with the glass.

Gently pull the needle off the spindle put it back in the right position (on 0) then gently tap it on to firm it up.

Refitting is a reverse of the removal.

I've just done the test drive and all is good again.

Snapper
130 TD5

Got exactly the same problem, pin stays lower than 0 and when i accelarate, like going 20-30kms, shows as 0km. Pin is coming 20-30km lower than it should. So is easy to open the gauge as you say? Without damaging the frame?

Originally Posted by MLD

There is a sensor from the TFC on the LT230 that provides a feed for the speedo and Odo. Not sure if it goes through the ECU but based on my experiment it is doubtful. When I first fitted a Scan Gauge to my defender the ECU reading of speed was accurate yet the needle was the typical 5km/h inaccurate at 100km/h. That was the case on a TD5 and Puma.

Buy, or borrow a scan gauge or like to read your ECU. It's a worthy investment to monitor your engine parameters.

It might be as simple as the needle slipping as suggested.

MLD

You are correct, the signal goes to the speedo first and then the ecu.
I fitted a speedohealer where the signal goes into the ecu and adjusted the pulse so that I can run an overdrive with the factory cruise control in 5th gear (another story) and this does not effect the speedo reading.

Cheers,
Paul.