SL/SLC-Class (R107) 1971-1989 : 250SL, 280SL, 450 SL, 380 SLC, 450 SL, 380 SL, 560 SL

SL/R107: diagnosing speedo issues

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Old Aug 10, 2021 | 09:21 AM
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jay-h's Avatar
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560SL
diagnosing speedo issues

Haven't been here in a while, The old 560SL got hit and totaled (no one hurt), been replaced with an almost identical one. Pretty much trouble free.

Recently the speedometer has malfunctioned, will go up to about 30 mph but no higher. (The odometer didn't work when we got it, but we don't put many miles on it, so oil changes etc were done by the calendar.)

I have to try to figure out

1) Mechanically sticking needle?
2) Defective speed sensor?
3) Defective speedometer?

Andy suggestions or guidance on diagnosing?
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Old Aug 26, 2021 | 10:29 PM
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560sl
Speedometer

This is the same thing I said to someone else with a speedo problem: My odometer wasn't working so I pulled the gauge cluster and took it to United Speedometer. They replaced all odometer-driven gears, polished/cleaned/lubed and refinished the needles. Also repaired the clock. $325. I have NO affiliation with them. United Speedometer. 713.690.1230. usande.com. I live in Houston so I took it to them. I'm sure you can mail the cluster. Or, find someone closer to you that can do same? Best of luck.

Chris
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Old Aug 27, 2021 | 05:47 AM
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My main concern at the time was trying to determine the problem, before going further.

In any case, I just went with my gut feeling and sent the speedo cluster to Southern Electronics in VA. Good service, they provided UPS both ways, did a 1 day turnaround, repaired the speedometer and odometer and did a cosmetic cleanup for 250
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Old Aug 27, 2021 | 09:59 AM
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Excellent! Glad it worked out. I'm in the beginning of a full recon of mine; seats, leather, carpet...
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