Rover 800 speedometer

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Fri 4 Jun 2004 14:09
Rover 800 speedometer - Kingpin
I have a Rover 800 Vitesse, 1993 model. There is a problem with the speedometer needle not working, then suddenly coming to life again. Most of the time it sits a zero whilst the car is being driven. I know these are electronic speedo heads and don't have a cable running to the gearbox - does anyone have any suggestions to the cause of this problem, I believe it's quite common on the 800 series. One possibility may be a loose multiplug connector at the back of the instruments?
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Fri 4 Jun 2004 20:11
Rover 800 speedometer - Mikey Jay
it could be the speed sensor or its connector or the speedo head itself. AFAIK the sensor is mounted on the g/box. I should get a dealer to fix it. I don't think it is a diy job and you are compromising safety to a degree. My Honda prelude speedo goes crazy after about 70mph and reads over 110mph when one is doing doing 75mph. You could try replacing the sensor or checking connections but you could be wasting money on unwanted parts if it is not that. I have the Honda manual but I still can't find the ---sensor! We're both in the same boat, although mine works adequately. Mike
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Fri 4 Jun 2004 22:19
Rover 800 speedometer - Civic8
I gather the speedo sensor will cause it.fraid I cant remember where it is.unlikely the multiplug on back of dash will cause it.not unknown though.would go for the sensor on gearbox.
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Fri 4 Jun 2004 23:06
Rover 800 speedometer - Ivor E Tower
Been there, done that. Had a 1990 820Se manual. Speedo transducer is on top of gearbox, 2-minute job to change it. BUT you need the chassis number when you go to dealer to order new one as there are loads of different types depending on age of car, gear ratios fitted etc. Chances are you will be given a "modified unit" as I was, indicating that the original design was not up to the job. Be prepared for the cost though, IIRC mine was around £90, and that was in 1994/1995.
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Fri 4 Jun 2004 23:10
Rover 800 speedometer - Kingpin
Cheers, thanks for the replies. I will investigate the speedo unit on the gearbox and start from there. I hoped it may have been a loose wire but sounds like the dreaded black box syndrome!
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Sat 5 Jun 2004 09:40
Rover 800 speedometer - DL
1993MY (RS VIN#) 800's don't suffer from speedo head faults like the earlier ones did.

I'd go for the speedo transducer on the gearbox, watch out for that fiddly & easy to loose spring clip!
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Sat 5 Jun 2004 10:40
Rover 800 speedometer - volvoman
You must have the same tee shirt as me then IET :(
Had exactly the same problem on my 820 - dodgy speedo transducer.
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Sat 5 Jun 2004 14:46
Rover 800 speedometer - DL
£80-odd worth IIRC.....
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