Focus - Speedo intermittently dies

Feb 16, 2010 6 Replies
J

I was driving my friend's Focus the other day. (Y-reg, 1600 Zetec, manual)



On a half hour journey the speedo suddenly stopped working 3 or 4 times, and would then come back to life 2-3 minutes later.



I noticed that whenever the speedo died or resurrected, there would also be the briefest hesitation or 'twitch' in the engine. I had the headlights on during the journey and noticed they also gave a quick flick as the engine twitched and the speedo died or came to life.



I couldn't determine any specific external factor (e.g. speed, gear change etc.) that always preceeded each event.



Any ideas for a possible cause would be much appreciated.



Thanks, Jeff


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P

In message , Jeff writes

Usually the VSS (Vehicle speed sensor). Not too expensive but a bit awkward to change.

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M

the VSS needs replacing, they are 34.32 plus 1.50 for the fitting clip, I usually charge 60 labour quid to fit them, if the vehicle was brand new then it would take only minutes to fit (on a lift) unfortunately they get absolutely stuck in place with muck and are usually hard work to get out and take an hour or so in total.

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Y

Nedavno Mrcheerful napisa:

Why would headlights flick if VSS is bad?

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T

Replace VSS. *Very* common.

Tim. .

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T

Smart charge on the Focus- is speed dependant.

Tim..

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J

Thanks for the feedback, Guys, most helpful. Will get that VSS looked at.

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