Hey guys, I've got SW "Wings" gauges in my '48 Diamond T pickup, the speedometer has gone berserk. It pegs to the right side as soon as the ignition is on, then underway works erratically, sometimes pegging on the right, sometimes all the back to left (0), or just bouncing around randomly. Oddly, the odometer still clicks off miles (more or less) correctly. I've checked the ground, loose wire, and am stumped. Any ideas? Electronic speedo driven from the VSS sensor on the 4L60 trans/PCM...
Gremlins.... Could be the speed sensor at the trans, or bad connections at the computer, although if the sensor is bad you should have other issues.
Yes, new problem. Worked fine on the trip to CT to pick up the roadster, last week after setting for a few days, pegged to 160 as soon as the ign. is on, then swings wildly, randomly. I think it must be an internal error, all the gauges are gounded on the same ground wire, everything else works, the odometer seems to be as accurate as it was before, just this. I'm not pleased with the quality of these gauges, the oil pressure gauge had the needle fall off once, SW wouldn't replace it, I replaced the temp gauge and sender once too, all on my nickel. I'll admit I inadvertently shorted the voltmeter out installing it, I replaced the works with a GM gauge in the SW body, but that wasn't the fault of the gauge. The exhaust is a good speedometer, and the tach, but I'm about ready to get something else... (gauges, not the truck!).
Generally speaking, Stewart Warner 's quality dropped off after their buyout. In your electronic speedometer, you have two separate circuits: one for the odometer and another for speed indication. It is likely cost prohibitive to perform any repair on your gauges. Your best option may be replacement.
Fought a similar problem on my friends car. SW tech recomended replacing the speedo. No help. Ended up replacing the sender in the trans. Also the new speedo made some serious noise when the tenths would click (clunk) over. Put the old speedo back in and so far, so good. When I bought gauges for my project, I went with Classic. I'll let you know how they work in a year or so...........D
Used a set of Wings in our roadster. Like the look but not sure of the overall quality. We too had a needle pop off the shaft - took it apart and glued it back on. Made in Mexico I think??
My wings speedo registers 60mph when driving anywhere between 40 and 70. Another great American company down the shitter.
I'll try separate grounding, and no, I don't have the paperwork. Bought them 7 years ago, they sat on the shelf for three before I started building it, a year finishing it up, now three seasons driving. I think shopping for new gauges from Classic Instruments, right here in MI, is in my future...
I used some kind of electronic box/filter between the speedo and the trans sender on a 32 roadster I built years ago. Got it close but still not on the money. Box was from Dakota Digital.