1993 Saturn SL2 odometer

Tiny
LATINSL2
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 SATURN SL2
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 264,000 MILES
I have not been able to get my odometer to work in my car. I have done quite alot of work to keep this car running as it is my "toy" and don't drive it too often. A while back the odometer stopped working and I checked all the fuses with a tester and they all work. I have even replaced the instrument cluster and everything works except the odometer, oh and the tripometer also. What could it be? Also, i'm installing an aftermarket radio that has a gps in it, so it requires me to connect a wire to a "car speed signal input". Where could I find such a wire. A friend told me most cars have a sensor for that by the transmission. Is that true? Thank you
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 5:27 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Hello .. thanks for the donation ..much appreciated

Hope this helps .. let me know

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
VSS is a Permanent Magnet (PM) generator mounted in transmission. The VSS sends a pulsing signal to ECM, which ECM converts into miles per hour (MPH). This sensor input is used by ECM in controlling converter clutch engagement. Signal may also be shared with instrument cluster and cruise control system.

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
1.9L DOHC.....On right rear of engine, on bellhousing.
1.9L SOHC.....On right rear of engine, on bellhousing.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_sat_1.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_AAA2_324.png

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
LATINSL2
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you with the "vss" but what about the odometer problem?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Hello..

The VSS sends it's signal to the PCM (computer) which sends a signal to the speedometer and odometer stepper motor ..

SPEEDOMETER
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed. The PCM controls the speedometer. A high-to-low edge of square wave signal is received by speedometer drive integrated circuit and produces pulses that are sent to speedometer drive coil. The integrated circuit also counts input pulses to drive odometer stepper motor.

Hope this helps


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_AAA2_326.png

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
LATINSL2
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Oh ok I see what your saying. But if the sensor was bad wouldn't it affect the speedometer as well? My my speedometer and rpm work fine. Its just my odometer and tripometer. Thank you for your patience and help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Hello.

When you say you replaced the instrument cluster .. was it NEW .. or used or recon ?

If the speedometer is working and it is showing correct speed etc. then I would say the VSS is working correctly and the stepper motor in the cluster is the fault !!


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_sl2_1.jpg



Hope this helps ..let me know


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_AAA2_328.png

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
LATINSL2
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yeah, they were used. I ve actually replaced it twice with two used clusters, and everytime everything works except the odometer and tripometer. Weird huh? Ok, i'll try another cluster. Could just be really bad luck with used clusters. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Hello.

I does seem you are being very unlucky !! .. I have checked the TSB's (tech service bulletns) and there are none regarding the cluster or odometer failing ? and there are none regarding the VSS .. so it seems it must be the cluster .. I do not have any test procedures just for the odometer, my manual states to test the speedo or replace the cluster only ...

Hope this helps .. let me know your final fix ...I would be very interested .. thanks


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_AAA2_329.png

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
LATINSL2
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yup, will let you know. Just a side note. Does it make anydifference that I had the engine rebuilt?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Hello.

Should make no difference at all .. as you say the speedometer is working correctly so the VSS must be generating the correct signal to the PCM and the PCM sends the signal to the cluster ..for the cluster/stepper motor to work ..

hope this helps .. let me know


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_AAA2_330.png

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 8:33 PM
Tiny
CIRV.ANTHONY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having the same problem. Changed the cluster once already and still, It didn't work. Also, my cruise control, speedometer, and RPM gauges work fine. Read on another site that there is a gear in the Odometer that is known to fail in these. Not sure how true it is. My mechanic is stumped too, though he has not checked the wires to the Odometer.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 18th, 2012 AT 2:03 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If you have a pre 1995 saturn the odometer gears break and need to be replaced the grease used when the cluster was built damaged the gear causing them to fail. Your on the the right track though the odometergears. Com has the gears and the instructions on how to change them. They say to replace the small and large one the large one is the one that always breaks.I repaired my sisters odometer on here 1993 I only replaced the large gear and its been over a year and still works great.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Friday, May 18th, 2012 AT 4:22 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Instrument Cluster Gauge Odometer Not Working Content

VIEW MORE