300Tdi rev counter...

[Sandy M.]

...or not :rolleyes:.

In the last few weeks the rev counter on my 1998 300Tdi has developed a reluctance to show the engine speed, preferring to remain at zero despite the appropriate noises coming from under the bonnet :o.

Suspecting the alternator was at fault I merrily checked all the wiring, and had a local auto electrician spend £15.00 of my money to tell me it was fine.

I now find that when the rev counter doesn't start, a sharp tap to the left hand side of the instrument panel restores normal service :).

I am now suspecting a loose wire or cracked circuit board behind the dash, but before I start pulling it apart, has anyone had a similar problem and could point me in the right direction?

[thebiglad]

...or not :rolleyes:.

In the last few weeks the rev counter on my 1998 300Tdi has developed a reluctance to show the engine speed, preferring to remain at zero despite the appropriate noises coming from under the bonnet :o.

Suspecting the alternator was at fault I merrily checked all the wiring, and had a local auto electrician spend £15.00 of my money to tell me it was fine.

I now find that when the rev counter doesn't start, a sharp tap to the left hand side of the instrument panel restores normal service :).

I am now suspecting a loose wire or cracked circuit board behind the dash, but before I start pulling it apart, has anyone had a similar problem and could point me in the right direction?


Invariably the fault you describe is caused by a poor/non-existant connection of the small single wire going to the back of the alternator.

If still connected, take it off, take off the old spade and put on a new one onto stripped-back wire and crimp the new spade, re connect then check to see how she's working.

[Sandy M.]

Ok will do, but if the connection at the alternator is dodgy, why does smacking the dashboard resume normal service?

[thebiglad]

Ok will do, but if the connection at the alternator is dodgy, why does smacking the dashboard resume normal service?



You got me there :o:o

[littlerangie]

Ok will do, but if the connection at the alternator is dodgy, why does smacking the dashboard resume normal service?

I think he is referring to that back of the instrument display, but it sounds like the same fault.

Spade connectors are the devils work in confined spaces................don't get me started.........

Calum

[grieuclarke]

Ok Sandy let me know how you get on i have a problem with the Rev counter on my old Range Rover, when you start it up it is ok briefly but will stop working after 2 or 3 minutes. the Alternator is still charging so at least that's something

[Sandy M.]

GRC, many thanks but mine sometimes works fine, and other times not at all :rolleyes:. However hit a big enough pothole or slap the side of the instrument panel and it jumps into life.