Deleting Speedometer

[Tiggo]

The speedometer on my 2004 GTI LE RFI is broke. My chart plotter provides accurate GPS speed so I don't need it or want to replace it. In its place I purchased a gauge style bluetooth am/fm radio to fit in its spot. I know the Info Center gauge gets its power from the speedometers purple and black wire. The extra purple yellow wire is the speed sensor. Can I just splice the purple and black wires that normally go into the Speedometer and route them directly to the Info Center gauge plug? Thus removing the Speedometer from the equation. I have a dual battery setup so I will power the radio off the secondary battery.
Alan

 

[etemplet]

That should work. I adapt INFO gauges cuz some a much cheaper than others. Good luck !!

 

[Tiggo]

I'm going to look around and see if I can adapt it using plugs but if not I'll just use some decent waterproof connectors.

 

[Tiggo]

Cut and used the connector. All's good, info gauge works no problem. Round radio comes tomorrow to fit in the speedometers hole. Going to add some small 4 inch speakers to the side. Pimp my ride...lol.

 

[etemplet]

Post some pictures of that. Sounds interesting. Might be fun to have some tunes.

On the speedometer if you pick up is working Your INFO gauge can display speed.

 

[Tiggo]

I'll have to check the Info gauge next time out. I was only watching the RPM's nothing else is very interesting. But that is a good way to figure out which part of the system is bad. The Info Gauge is a used replacement. The original was a rusty mess inside. The speedometer is clean inside but it's possible it is corroded and bad but not noticeable. I'll add some pics once I get the radio set up..

 

[etemplet]

Look on the wiring diagram for the particular model. If I remember correctly the speedo sensor wire splits into two. For me there is always a good chance the pick up is bad and I hate replacing those because most of the time the screws are difficult. I'm looking into repairing them I must not an electronics guy. Candoo makes a plug in replacement GPS speedo sensor but everybody is charging so much for everything it is disgusting. "Fleece the Customer Season."

 

[etemplet]

On a side note the speedometers are pretty cheap if one wanted to replace them. Good Luck !!

 

[Tiggo]

Finished up the radio install. The Velex Gauge Radio fit in the original speedometer location like a glove. Easy install. The speakers are inexpensive waterproof outdoor types that actually sound pretty good. I just attached the brackets on the side plastic bits. Didn't want to cut out 5 inch holes for flush style speakers. Maybe down the road if this works out. I only plan on using it for background music while fishing or hanging out. The whole kit was about $100.00 on Amazon.

 

[etemplet]

Wow now that is cool !! Cost effective too !! That info gauge looks to be in really good shape too !! You're rockin it !!

 

[Tiggo]

Thanks... The Info Gauge was an eBay special. Surprisingly it says the hours on the machine it came off was 174. But it looks great and works the same.