Speedometer testing/common probems

[Mitzubshi1]

About a month ago I purchased a 94 GSX and the only thing not working on it is the speedometer. I have done a few things to get the jet ski back to like-new condition and the speedometer is the only thing left. At first I was just going to leave it but since it is the only thing not working it bugs me. I checked all the connections and also verified power is running to the speedometer with my multimeter. The sensor wheel spins freely. There are 5- prongs that go into the speedometer. Two for power (which work) and I assume the other three all send signals to the speedometer wheel for speed. Does anyone know how to test the three prongs? Cosmetically the speedometer is in good shape...being my first jet ski, I don't know. Are speedometers prone to fail? Thanks in advance.

 

[ski-d00]

speedometer gauges are pretty reliable as long as they don't get moisture in them. the speed sensors are not reliable and fail frequently which is most likely your problem. you can test the speed sensor but you have to measure voltage while it is still connected and slowly turn the paddle wheel. testing the gauge itself is complicated. I have a new speed sensor that is missing the paddle for your model that I will sell cheaply.

 

[Mitzubshi1]

Thanks for the reply. The speedometer looks like new, so maybe it is the speed sensor as you describe. I might be interested in the speed sensor you have...could you tell me first how I can test the one I currently have? There are what appear to be three leads for speed, since I assume the other two are pos/neg. Which ones (color wires) should I be testing with my multimeter while slowly spinning the wheel? And as far as the speed sensor...if I do end up needing yours, is it easy to replace the paddle (I assume they snap in and out fairly easily with some BP Blaster)? Thanks again.

 

[ski-d00]

To test the speed sensor you'll need to remove the connector on the speed sensor side using a terminal tool, then plug the terminals back in and you'll be able to touch the terminals to measure the voltage, positive on the red wire, neg on the black, nothing on the third yellow wire.(I think the colors are right, they have changed colors since then so it's from memory) slowly move the paddle wheel and each 1/8 turn the voltage should change from 8.5V to 5.5V, it's the rate of this change is how it determines the speed. normally when the speed sensor fails, you will get no voltage reading at all meaning that the sensor is toast.

No BP Blaster needed, the paddle wheel is held on with small pressed on washers on each side of an axle, you just have to carefully remove the washer from one end and the axle will slide out. The small washer can be reused if you pound it flat again, just be careful with it, easy to lose.

 

[Mitzubshi1]

Thanks again for all the great info. My jet ski is stored away right now. When I pick it back up in a few weeks I'll test the sensor as you suggested. If it is shot I'll contact you to see if you still have one available. Thanks again!

 

[masterminds]

I have installed these components on a 1997 seadoo xp and the Speedometer is working! This is a great post. Total Cost for repair - $3.50
I removed the epoxy with a dremel device and repotted the components with Hot Glue! The Hot Glue gun was only like $5.00. I purchased 5 extra kits just in case a buddy needed their speed sensor repaired. Thanks for this great post again.

 

[zzrich]

What is the terminal tool you use to disconnect the wires? I'm going to replace the speed transducer on my 97 speedster this weekend.
Thanks

 

[ski-d00]

std GM/delphi automotive terminal tool, it's a metal tube that you push over the terminal and it pushes the two tangs inward so you can pull the wire out of the connector, google snap-on tt600-4, that's what I use. you can get a cheap one at any auto parts store.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I sell them as well.

 

[racerxxx]

Like this, $4.95 with free shipping. Jetskigoodies has posted this before. I just tried a few local parts stores and they looked at me like I had 6 heads.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Delphi-Weat...pt=Race_Car_Parts&hash=item564b6ab87a&vxp=mtr


EDIT:
Sorry Nick, didn't know you had them too, you must have posted while I was typing.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Nick is the one who told me what the tool was actually was called. Originally I bought one on ebay, but I searched under seadoo electrical tool and paid 3 times the amount for the same exact tool. I then was told by Nick it was a gm weather pack terminal tool. So i then searched ebay and found the cheap one. I then also was looking into puting a kit togethor and had a hard time finding parts cheaply. Nick suggeted terminal supply and I have one 3 miles from my house, and get this my cousin Works there as well as his aunt and a buddies fiance. Small world man.

 

[zzrich]

std GM/delphi automotive terminal tool, it's a metal tube that you push over the terminal and it pushes the two tangs inward so you can pull the wire out of the connector, google snap-on tt600-4, that's what I use. you can get a cheap one at any auto parts store.

Great! Thanks for the help.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

If you manage to mangle the connectors and or need some weather tight connections, they are sold on amazon too... I thought about using them for the power wires for my GSX amp. Then looked at the cost... lol.

I agree, 90% of the time, it's the sensor that fails, not the gauge.

Usually you can push start (runs the gauges for 33 seconds) and using your hose (from your house) hit the paddle wheel and make it spin. I don't think it matters which direction it spins, but it's an easy off water test.