speedo doesn't like it when it's cold... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

origamitect · #1 02-02-2007, 02:19 PM

Hi all,
Frau Frankenbenz has been performing well this year (notice the lack of posts from me!). Now that it's gawdawful cold in St. Louis (mornings are routinely around 10-15 deg F) I have noticed that my speedometer (and odometer) aren't working in the morning, but in the afternoon, when it's warmer, they both appear to be working fine. Has anyone experienced this? How was it remedied? Is it possible that the cold is shrinking the gear contact points enough so as to not mesh? Thanks in advance for your help!

rrgrassi · #2 02-02-2007, 02:32 PM

I have not experienced it, but Diesel Giant does have a repair thread for the odometer. If there is any old grease in the speedo/odo in the dash, it will be really stiff and could be keeping things from spinning. Had this happen in an old Pontiac.

fredyarvin · #3 04-05-2007, 12:37 PM

Yes, I have also had this problem. My speedometer started out not working in below zero temps, but the problem has gotten worse. It works intermitantly at best now. Sometimes it shows 10-20 mph at highway speeds, sometimes 0, sometimes it works correctly. Seems better at higher temps, worse at lower.

I am waiting for summer to see if it will start working all the time. Any ideas on how to fix this or what to check?

300SD81 · #4 04-05-2007, 12:43 PM

I have the same problem with my speedo, It works more often after I resoldered it, but its still intermittant. Giving the dash a hard whack makes it work again sometimes, so its definitely a bad connection somewhere inside...

jwhughes3 · #5 04-06-2007, 04:15 AM

I found turning on the defroster and closing off the vents forces the heated air into the dash and within a very short time the speedo grease heats up enough to allow proper functioning.

John