speedo connection

[mr.blitz]

I have finally got round to taking off my dash and removing the tacho to fit the speedo cluster i bought months ago.

On removing the tacho i saw that it is not run via a cable but by some sort of digital means via a two plug connection.

The original speedo instument plug is still intact, but a home-made splitter has been installed to route the fuel+temp to the right of the tacho and the warning lights to the right. After removing this splitter i was able to plug the long combined plug into the speed cluster and have full functionality...thank god.

The only problem i now have...and the problem that i started with...is that i have no speed or mileage readout. I need to install a cable from the back of the cluster to the gearbox.

There is no sign of a cable behind the dash anywhere so i am assuming that it was removed when the tacho was put in.

In the event of a total absence of speedo cable and fitting at the gearbox end, what is the process for installation?

Obviously i need to run a cable from the cluster to the gearbox, but what about attaching the gearbox end of the cable to something.

What is the 'something'? Can i fit it myself? Should it be there already? What does it look like?

Many thanks.

[GBBiker]

What year is the van?

Pre 1997 will have a cable driven speedo (there will be a drive cable socket on the gearbox), mid 1997 onwards should be electronic (there will be a sensor, on the gearbox IIRC, with a socket for the loom to plug into but no drive cable socket).

If the gearbox has electronic drive, you need an electronic binacle.

[mr.blitz]

Its a 1993 mk4 190 EF...twin rear wheel...luton...sort of. Big box, body kit running down either side, side sliding door with built in step for easy access. Used to have a tail lift. I believe it used to be owned by a fashion comapany.

The tacho looks like it was installed after it came out of the factory...the splitter looks homemade, and the bracket that the tacho sits in is bolted to the dash in a way that does not look like Ford did it...dunno why...just looks that way.

I can't find a cable, so i need to fit one.

Assuming what you said applies to my van, i should have something i can attach a cable to at the gearbox end?

Where will i find it? What does it look like?

Thanks again.

[GBBiker]

I presume it's the 2.5Di engine with MT75 manual 5 sped box?

I've got to get my MT75 off to do the clutch, if I get to do that today, I'll snap a pic of the drive cable fitting.

[captain hook]

On the Tailshaft of your gearbox there will be....Should be......the Tacho drive box

that the wires went to.

Just remove the M5 bolt holding it on and there will be the square drive to fit your

new Speedo drive cable to......

[mr.blitz]

I found the bit you mean...on the drivers side of the gearbox there was a three inch long adapter plugged into the speedo cable socket with a bracket (and a piece of wire!) holding it on. In the end of the adapter was a right angled fitting with a cable that presumably goes to the tacho.

I removed the bolt on the bracket and away came the adapter.

There is a threaded piece now showing that i can now screw my speedo cable onto...is that right?

Many thanks

[captain hook]

Very nearly....

You have removed the Tacho gearbox and angle drive

The threaded bit is held in the box by a 10mm bolt...

Remove that and there will be a square drive which a speedo cable goes in.

The speedo outer cable is held in by a "Fork" and the 10mm bolt

[MinorMatt]

Done this on my '95 which had a factory fit tachograph - its exactly as captain hook says

[mr.blitz]

firstly...thanks for the help with working out whats what with the above problem.

secondly...any ideas where i can get a speedo cable for a mk4?

eBay seems to be out of them...ive asked a couple of companies and they can't get one for 10-14 days.

i need one asap.

ta all.

[captain hook]

Speedy Cables Ltd