Speedometer / Odometer Issue

I thought all the new replica VDO Speedos used a GPS antenna but seems that maybe VM doesn't use the hidden antenna!  Beck uses the antenna - which is great since tire size doesn't matter and there is no speedo lag.  The gauges can also use a Hall type sensor - which I assume is driven by a cable.

The VM web site says their Speedo is cable driven!  So assume there is a normal VW drive cable off the left front wheel hub.  I bet the cable was installed with too tight a turn radius or the little C clip is off the front hub. From VM web site-

@WOLFGANG, it doesn't seem like a cable-driven speedometer would use an LED odometer.

The first thing to check would be if you have a GPS Speedo/Odo or a cable driven one. Look on the back side of the left front hub and see if there is a speedometer cable that goes into the hub. If there is trace it back to the gauge to make sure it isn't kinked somewhere.

However, I'm pretty sure Greg is using the new gauges that are GPS driven. If that is the case look for a loose wire on the back of the gauge or a bad ground somewhere behind the dash.

It looks like you're in Canada so you can't just take it to Greg but if after you try a few things you can't find the issue reach out to Greg and he'll tell you what's up. There's a chance he knows right away what the problem might be.

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If the car was built in California and then driven in Canada, the speedo is probably confused about whether to display miles or kilometers.

I really can't blame it for being non-committal and just plain giving up sometimes.

Try to be understanding and maybe install one of those old VW bud vases on the dash where the speedo can see it. That could improve its mood and encourage it to start working more.

This of course completely ignores the more delicate issue of whether it's trying to communicate in English or French.

You never know what's going to work with these retro cars.

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I assume the new LED/GPS gauges are same at Beck and VM.  VM says they use the Hall cable driven sender while Beck says they use the non-cable GPS sender/antenna.  So if Hall then a cable to it and wire to speedo.  If GPS, no cable just hidden antenna and wire to sender.  Beck is just now coming out with a Speedo with both MPH/KMH on the face. Both sites show the LCD odo read out.

Here's Beck's VDO instructions- looks like it covers calibration for both:

Gauge Installation: (beckspeedster.com)

Thanks everyone for your replies. I especially like the comment about the gauge being confused in Canada. 

I think our cars have the look, feel & character of the Porsche 356.  I had a coupe 20 years ago.  I had a similar issue then...

The gauge is km -- and quite accurate when working (as confirmed by someone who followed me on a recent drive)

The car is in Ontario, shipped from dealer in Vancouver.

I've reached out to VDO & will to VM for advice.

More to come...

I'll have to make a drive up to Alliston to see your new car.

Sounds nice.

VM returned my call.  Greg -- the legendary Greg -- and I chatted.

It is GPS.  And with the car being in a 'new' location, it takes some time for it to pick up the signal.  This explains why it took time to start working and once it did start to work, it do so slowly.

With more drives and a few tests, it should work fine.  If it doesn't, VM offered to send a replacement.

There's strong support from VM;  nice, especially these days. 

Cheers,

It has to be an antenna issue I would think there is no reason the gauge is not picking up in Alliston unless of course The plant at Honda decided to overrun your signal cause they are upset at you not buying one of theirs .  

Congrats  on the car .  

p.s.   I would check all connections but I think the sensor is flaky and I don’t buy the new location bit as there is no magnetic issues where you live that I know …. I mean your phone gps works. Yes?

I work there, and have had several Hondas and Acuras overe the years.  No hard feelings from Honda!

The sensor should have lights to confirm if it's getting signal.  I'll look into this later today.

It is plausible that the sensor may need to be moved or tweaked. I know my sensor is just stuck magnetically onto a round tube, so I added a ty-rap and some foam tape to make sure it didn't migrate around. It is very important that The GPS antenna point straight up.

Also, there is usually a wire that should be connected to 12v power at all times. This significantly shortens the time needed for the antennas to "see" a good signal and the speedo start to work.

Don't be surprised at 0 MPH indication in a tunnel...

Would you mind sending me a couple pictures to help me understand?  Thanks,

Here's a shot of the speedo sensor.  Note red light; unable to pick up signal from where the car is.

Is it mounted too far forward and partially under the steel gas tank?

Maybe, it's easy enough to move around to see if it'll pick up a signal.

I appreciate the tip,

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OK, so as I suspected, the Speedo is just a little disoriented, being so far from home.

This is one of those topics where those of us who have no real idea what the problem is get to go on about possible theoretical solutions at some length.

Browsing a bunch of YouTube videos by experts in installing third party GPS navigation systems in cars, a Big Deal seems to be giving the antenna a 'clear view' of the sky, unobstructed by metal bits, and this seems pretty logical to someone with no actual first-hand experience.

It also seems the lesser units need a less-obstructed view - some don't work under dash at all, but need to be on top of the dash, and even the better units that work OK under the dash benefit from a rooftop mount. (Some nav units display number of satellites being received and relative signal strength.)

So, I'd think getting the antenna out from under the gas tank, and maybe away from that steel cross member we all have under the dash and away from as much other wiring as possible would help matters.

My uninformed opinion is as valid as anyone's, and better than some.

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@swan4356 posted:

Would you mind sending me a couple pictures to help me understand?  Thanks,

There is no way to get you pictures of my GPS antenna. There are things installed afterward that are in the way.

There should be a square tubular frame under the dash. Perhaps you can mount the antenna on top of that, the fiberglass directly above won't impede the GPS signal.

That's where mine is mounted, and also it's not in line with the windshield base.

It works perfectly, and my gauges are Speedhut brand.

A new sensor is on the way, compliments of VM.  At least it'll rule out if the one I have is defective.  Then I'll focus on re-locating it.

@swan4356 FWIW, I think my GPS on my new VMC is mounted in the same spot as yours, and I have no issues. I am however only 70 miles away from Greg’s shop if that somehow matters.

The red light only illuminates when ignition is on.  

Yes, same spot -- thanks for sharing pictures. 

Since my previous post, I did take the Speedster out for a couple of drives.

The first time the speedometer worked just fine.  The second drive, it didn't work.

Same route, same weather.   I was in the same mood;  the Speedster maybe not.

I'm going to re-position the sensor for my next drive.

However, thank you to VM for sending me a replacement sensor.  I'll install it based on the result of my next drive.  And thanks too to the on-going support in this forum.

@Jon T posted:

@swan4356 FWIW, I think my GPS on my new VMC is mounted in the same spot as yours, and I have no issues. I am however only 70 miles away from Greg’s shop if that somehow matters.

The red light only illuminates when ignition is on.  

You mentioned red light with ignition on. I was under the it should be green if gps is picking up signal. My new VM speedster by Greg has same issues with speedometer. In those pics you  no posted is that the gps sensor connected to the grey wire? I’m assuming it doesn’t hang like that and you pulled  it down from where is was mounted? Correct. I’m just trying to figure out why my speedometer doesn’t work consistently.

@Dennis Connaughton

I was under the <impression> it should be green if gps is picking up signal.  I checked it again.  The light on the unit turns red when the ignition is turned on, but after a few moments it does turn green.  You may very well be correct that it does so when it figures out where it has been sleeping.

Is that the gps sensor connected to the grey wire?  Yes.

I’m assuming it doesn’t hang like that and you pulled  it down from where is was mounted?  I did not move it for the photo.  It isn't hanging, it is mounted on the underside of the area shown.