How To Repair A Odometer | DIY Speedometer Repair | MK2 VW Diesel Gas 1985 1992 Jetta Golf 🚗🚕🚙

How To Repair A Odometer | DIY Speedometer Repair | MK2 VW Diesel Gas 1985 1992 Jetta Golf 🚗🚕🚙
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Today I am going to repair a speedometer on my 1986 Jetta Diesel. The Odometer no longer works. I have plenty of experience fixing this problem that happens on almost every Markl II diesel Volkswagen. This is not confined to diesels though and includes gasoline cars too. Most times it is a little 14 tooth plastic gear that gives out and cracks under stress and age and are very difficult to find and replace. Most people resort to gluing them back together with super glue and that works most times but does not hold up forever and will eventually fail. More and more I am able to find these gears on Ebay with the proliferation of 3-D printers and the like. On the other end of the odometer drive shaft there is the dreaded Pot Metal gear. This Gear is press fitted to the little shaft and will work loose over time causing the same issue that the plastic gear when it fails. To fix this you have to dismantle the speedometer head and remove the pot metal gear. To make the hole smaller so it can be pressed back on the shaft with no more slippage, I simply take the gear and lay it on its side and crush it on an anvil with a hammer and punch and then press it back on the end of the shaft ether in a vice or with a hammer and a 6mm socket. I have been working on these cars since 2003 and have take several years to refine this method of repair.
MK2 VW Diesel/Gas 1985-1992 Jetta/Golf
Link to replacent Odometer Drive Gear
www.ebay.com/i...
Annotations
Good Plug in Drill (no battery)
Cut end of a Speedometer Cable
Rheostat
Black Index Mark
White Index Mark
Index Marks Stay Together
Printed Circuit Board
Red Odometer Drive Gear
White Worm Drive Gear
Pry the Needle off From The base
Tape To Secure Odometer Dials
Pot Metal Drive Gear
Brass Speedometer Spring
Mount Screws
Magnet Housing
Speedometer Cable Plug
Blank Pulse Generator
Pulse Generator for Cruise Control
Odometer Drive Shaft (Press Fitt to Gear)
Push Odometer Shaft Against Gear
6mm Socket
Index Marker for Setting Speedometer
1: Remove Speedometer Pointer Needle
2: Remove Speedometer Face Plate
3: Remove Brass Speedometer Spring
Joe Fixes it
/ @joefixesit
Gardening Right Now
/ @gardeningrightnow
Joe is Hungry
/ @joeishungry
Release Date 6/21/2021
Copyright©2021
The Fuzzy Cat Production Family
Gardening Right Now Channel
Joe is Hungry
Joe Fixes It Channel
Soundtrack
Ragnarok by Rift Artlist
Torch Instrumental Version by KatrinaStone Artlist
Continent by ANBR Artlist

[@adamxmada]

-marvellous. Someone who actually understands and can explain how it went wrong and why and how to fix it. Many thanks!

[@Joefixesit]

not a prob, they are actually not that hard to work on

[@vickturorteez]

@@Joefixesitis there anyway I can send you my speedo for a 1982 VW diesel speedo to get it fixed ?

[@ph4x36]

This video gave me the confidence and courage to tear apart and attempt to fix the odometer in my vanagon. It is now functional and I can count my miles reliably! Thank you!!!

[@andysmith1294]

Joe thank you very much for this video, odometer on my 1991 VW Transporter hasn't worked properly for years, now repaired, it was the more awkward metal gear to! Big thanks from Cumbria, England, UK.

[@Joefixesit]

well I am glad I could do something to help

[@realvandelayindustries]

Superb video. I never leave comments but it is merited this time. I followed your instructions exactly and it worked perfectly. I have a Mk2 Golf with a Mk3 1.9TD swapped in to replace the stock 1.6D.

[@Joefixesit]

Thanks.. they are not too hard to fix.. a little hard to find the.gears but not impossible.

[@Joefixesit]

Sweet deal. I would love to have a 1.9 in my jetta

[@o_kamil]

You’re like a go to channel for mk2 stuff

[@Joefixesit]

thanks , I need to buck up and make more mk2 videos..

[@o_kamil]

@@Joefixesit yes!

[@Joefixesit]

been wanting to do this video for over a year

[@DUDENOHELP]

very complete and detailed thank you for your work

[@JoeisHungry]

sadly food reviews take all my time, wish I could make more car videos as I still drive and maintain them

[@EL90291]

To remove the needle, Watch how watchmaker remove Watch hands, using 2 screwdriver on opposite side as leverage…. Thank you for sharing , now I know how fare I’m going and how much more I can drive with a fuel tank, no more guess work.

[@Joefixesit]

Actually I was watching wristwatch revival and saw that. Great Idea!

[@JosephDeHaan]

Nice video! Another Joe fixing mk2s! I thought I was the only one. Also a dinner fork works well for prying off the needle carefully.

[@Joefixesit]

Oh yeah . You in my area? I love the cars.. I had to replace an inner tie rod end last night on my 89 filming car..

[@JosephDeHaan]

@@Joefixesit Im in Ontario Canada

[@Joefixesit]

@@JosephDeHaan yeah your a long way away.. surprised the MK2s are not rusted away up there

[@JosephDeHaan]

@@Joefixesit the good ones are pricey

[@Joefixesit]

@@JosephDeHaan in Georgia none of mine are rusty, I have 4 running and one project car..

[@JamesHauch]

Thank you for the video! It was very helpful

[@JoeisHungry]

Welcome

[@petecurran3995]

Phenomenal! 👌🏻 Have this area to look at with a 1990 Vanagon. 🚌

[@JoeisHungry]

going to make more content for this channel soon too

[@billws893]

Very complete instruction.

[@Joefixesit]

been fixing them a long time

[@Joefixesit]

Welcome

[@martinresel29]

Thank you very much. It works perfect.

[@Adel_Volks]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙌

[@Joefixesit]

I want to make more Mk2 videos..

[@Adel_Volks]

@@Joefixesit yeees !!! That would be awesome 🤩 Any chance you can make a video of how to fix if the needle is only bouncing?

[@JoeisHungry]

@@Adel_Volks that is almost always caused my a bad or mis-routed speedo cable.

[@Adel_Volks]

@@JoeisHungry , wow! I will check it then. I just finished opening my speedometer thanks to your video… and I found out I’m missing the small plastic gear. I will be making an order very soon. Thanks 🙏

[@JoeisHungry]

let me know how that goes, they are not very complicated, just have to be careful taking them apart.

[@rossmarling4819]

Very useful video, thanks

[@Joefixesit]

thanks.. they are not complicated speedometers

[@montanaharkin]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@ben_doverson1951]

Very nice video! Good explenation of the parts and assembly. Is this also for a vw caddy mk1?

[@JoeisHungry]

The speedo head is different

[@Joefixesit]

thanks

[@claushartung2446]

Thanks for the good video Joe :-) did the exact procedure on my 1989 T3 Westfalia, orkede out great :-) /Claus/Denmark

[@Joefixesit]

I am glad it worked, I have done this a number of times on my MK2s. take care and good luck

[@JoeisHungry]

thanks!

[@josefdez1980]

just rejected at MOT today by this trouble. Thnk you

[@Joefixesit]

interesting

[@cristinarosario1815]

hi joe, my 2007 vw rabbit has its odometer not working. i took the dash out and when i put the positive wire from the battery at the power wire at the dashboard, it moves, but when i put all the wires from dash toggither, it doesent. do you think theres some power missin on it?

[@Joefixesit]

I primarily mess with MK1 and MK2 Diesels, I think what you have is a MK5 of MK6. Does not sound like a mechanical issue. I am sure you have checked the fuses. Your car is much newer than the ones I work on. Sorry

[@KesbyLuke]

Would this be the same for a 1988 caddy? Do you possibly have another link for a plastic cog?

[@Joefixesit]

www.odometergears.com/products/Volkswagen/Mechanical+Speedometer/19

[@VisarLimani]

Hi Joes, What can be the issue like this : When i remove "black jack" from cluster the car works normally, When i put it back, the engine shakes for some moments.. What is the wiring on the black jack (left one) ?

[@JoeisHungry]

if this is a rabbit 1984 and down.. (not sure about the Mark II) 1885 to 1992 but I think this is the case also, the red charge led is a part of the charging system with the cluster hooked up the alternator is not charging taking a load off the engine thus running smoother.

[@Joefixesit]

correct

[@pierreloiselle4160]

Good morning, I want to replace my old Vanagon speedometer, but on the new one there is no place where I can connect the blue printed circuit. . what do you think if I replace the heart of the old speedometer with that of the new one, this way I could connect the blue printed circuit

[@JoeisHungry]

I would have to see, I know with the MK2s you can replace the speedometer head alone.

[@rotaecho]

A small garden fork works well for removing the needle

[@mikebmike1999]

Any advise on how to fix a VW mk1 Golf (rabbit) speedo, specifically the magnetic drive? The magnetic "pot metal" disk broke into pieces. Any suggestions other than stripping one off a scrapped vehicle?

[@Joefixesit]

You will need to find another speedometer head if you can find one. Does not matter Gas or diesel. My question is how in the world did that happen. sorry for taking so long to answer

[@mikebmike1999]

@@Joefixesit A very impatient fool with a screwdriver, aka me, trying to pry the soft magnetic disc off the part where the cable goes into. Wanted to remove it and find the noisy bearing I thought it had underneath not knowing at the time there was no bearing. The original issue was at certain speeds it suddenly jumped 40kms/h higher and made a terrible squealing sound till you slowed down enough or whacked the dash hard enough for it to jumped back to normal silent operation. Oh well, this is South Africa, should be able to find one at a scrap yard somewhere. If it wasn't for the fact that it was magnetic i would have 3d printed a replacement disk already. Are we sure that it's magnetic? I have pictures of what it looks like internally. One could be forgiven for thinking it was friction run, almost like a clutch plate.

[@Joefixesit]

@@mikebmike1999 definitely a magnet. That is how it works. I would send one I have but shipping is a killer over seas plus mine reads MPH. Hopefully you can find one, her in the US they are impossible to find.

[@ChrisRubeo]

Joe, I SURE hope you can help me. I've got an MK2 cluster that looks VERY similar to yours pictured (it's actually made by Jaeger and comes out of a 1991 Mexican Volkswagen bus... long story). The problem is that the speedometer works, but is very sluggish. It lags a lot and takes a few minutes to get up to the speed I'm traveling. It appears to keep the correct high speed, but at slow speeds, or when stopping it takes forever to drop all the way down. Any ideas? THANKS! (PS: I can email you a pic if you'd like).

[@Joefixesit]

yeah send me a photo at [e-mail]... 3 in 1 oil (not the spray) ..sounds like the needle shaft has some corrosion on it or gummed up. The fact that it is accurate makes me think that otherwise I think of moving the magnet (which I hate to do) the speedometer heads are pretty common gas same as diesel.

[@ChrisRubeo]

@@Joefixesit Thanks, Joe! Last night I took it apart, cleaned and lubricated it (hopefully white lithium wasn't a mistake?). When I tested it with the old speedometer cable and a drill (yes I bought a new speedo cable) it appears to work perfectly. After coffee I'm putting it in and we shall see... I will also email you some pics because I'd like to see if it's possible to change out the speedo for one that reads MPH. Thanks again and will email you soon with the results. - Chris

[@JoeisHungry]

@@ChrisRubeo sure can.. just need to find a MPH speedo head. let me know what happens back in the car

[@Ccmusicfctory]

My needle was oscillating wildly at high speeds only (over 65km) to the point where it actually snapped itself right off. Any idea how to troubleshoot this? It’s a mk2 cabriolet ‘92

[@mariusferreira]

Hi what do you call that small copper coil behind the needle

[@ricksproule6690]

Hi Joe. 1988 Vanagon - made the hole in the metal gear smaller, replaced the 14 tooth plastic gear (broke it while tapping the shaft back on the metal gear!), cleaned and lubricated the worm gear and 14 tooth gear, and now have an issue in calibration. I get 60 mph at 917 rpm ! When it's closer to 1600 rpm I'm at 100 or more!! Have moved the thin middle spring clockwise and CCW on the needle post - doesn't seem to do much re rpm/speed. I thought making a bit more resistance on the spring would lower the mph. All the gears are free, the speedo worked before I did this work. I'm the original owner (99,970 miles). Any ideas?

[@Joefixesit]

I typically do not mess with the spring tension, what I do it put the pointed at the index mark and move it from there. in extreme cases I might move the magnet on the shaft. check the color of the gear on the end of the speedo cable that goes in the transmission as there are several different once with more or less teeth that will change the speed. make sure you do not have on for a gas if you are running a diesel. For regular mk2 diesels they are white and for 1991 ECO they are green.

[@ricksproule6690]

@@Joefixesit Thanks for the quick reply. I think I figured it out. On the face of the speedo it says 805 just above the MPH. From what I have read that means set it to 805 rpm for 60 mph. That seems much more in line with what I'm seeing with the drill speed and what it's showing with the needle. I'll try that and see how it works. OEM tires on the Vanagon were 185/14, I have 205/15 - I'm reading that the difference is -2.2% in terms of rpm, so I'll set it for as close to 787-790 as I can get it. Thanks for the response.

[@Joefixesit]

@@ricksproule6690 I have not seen one with tach numbers before but the sandard way it to take the needle off and move it. there is an index marked near the stop peg that will get you close. let me know what happens

[@StewSims]

Hi my 1990 Polo speedometer often stays at zero, sometimes it frees off after a few miles or if I stop and start again. I've replaced the cable and it still does it. Interestingly the miles still go up so I guess the cable is fine and connects OK it must be the needle or some part driving it? Worth a bit of lubrication somewhere??

[@JoeisHungry]

I assume they are using the same or similar cluster to the VW Mk2? it is usually the odometer that does not work and the needle continues to point at the correct numbers as the drive gears are slipping on the shaft. but in this case sounds like corrosion in the needle spring assembly which in the case of VW is quite rare

[@StewSims]

@@JoeisHungry Could be - in our climate here in the UK it can be exceptionally damp - this winter we had lots of problems with condensation and I even got ice on the inside of my windscreen which probably didn't help. It is usually better on a warm day but seems to be doing it more often. I guess the only option is to take it apart to inspect this needle spring.

[@JoeisHungry]

@@StewSims 3 in 1 oil is the best lube for that

[@JoeisHungry]

not the aerosol kind, the aerosol had hydroscopic properties

[@tobyhamilton2153]

Hey thanks for the video this is probably a stupid question, but in regards to the worm drive gear and the red sprocket that rotates with it, if these 2 don't turn together could it be the cause of the tachometer (mileage recording) not working, or is that only if the speedometer isn't working. I was a bit confused so hopefully someone can clarify for me, much appreciated!

[@JoeisHungry]

the little white gear on the side usually splits with age and turns loose on the shaft and or the pot metal gear on the opposite end fails. You can buy both on line these days

[@tobyhamilton2153]

@@JoeisHungry yeah I after removing the unit from my vehicle I was able to see that the worm gear is what then turns the other internal components, as you highlighted in your video mine also has a small crack in it, but was slightly out of place so I pushed it back into position, and tested it and seems to be working okay for now. I will have to replace eventually unfortunately I made a stupid mistake when trying to remove the unit and ended up damaging some of the multi plug connector pins where they actually connect to the plastic pvc circuit board. To be totally honest I think I'm a bit f***ked now, but will see if I can find someone that would be able to repair this, or if anyone knows of where to buy replacements. I'm based in the UK so unless you have happened to come across any european or UK based companies yourself I doubt there's anything you could help with. I'm only saying that so you don't waste your time trying to make some suggestions for US based companies if you were going to help, but I'm not expecting any help.

[@json8172]

Looks like they make that gear at odo meter gears if you Google it. Plastic, but gonna be a nice press fit.

[@JoeisHungry]

yes I have gotten them there before

[@json8172]

they any good, or best to reuse the metal ones?@@JoeisHungry

[@adrianrogers6006]

Do you sell a speedo repaired already as mine has just stopped counting miles

[@Joefixesit]

naw sorry.. I just work on my own equipment, just wanted to share on how make the work and there flaws after 30 years

[@giacobmx]

My numbers works right, but the pointer oscillates/bounces. Changed the drive gear in the shift but it was like new, changed speedo cable and made a very bad noise (i lubricated with oil an now still makes a little noise like the original cable). What it could be be if the number works right?

[@JoeisHungry]

sorry for responding late, sounds like you need tp replace the speedo cable. it is almost impossible to fix it with lube. That's the only reason I have ever had oscillation. they are available and not expensive

[@giacobmx]

@@JoeisHungry mhh you say to try with a third cable again? I tried to turn the speedo directly with the drill in it (no cable between) and still oscillates….also cleaned the old grease in the gear and put a drop of oil. Maybe is the magnet behind the pointer?

[@JoeisHungry]

@@giacobmx did you already replace the speedo cable?

[@giacobmx]

@@JoeisHungry yes, new cable but nothing changed. I also lubed it with oil because they came with no lube and you can’t open them.

[@JoeisHungry]

@@giacobmx normally you do not lubricate the new cable as it has a plastic liner, it is unusual to get an oscillation just from a head malfunction. I would use a 3 in one on the head itself internally. I wish you had another head to test with. Is this a MK2 Diesel or gAS?

[@MechanicForGMCCars]

hello sir do you know about GM/Opel Odometers? Funy thing me odometer is ticking for years wont move. I asume it has some thing to do with Delco 12si alternator its ordinary 80s car similar to WV. How ever when me blinker relay didnt get ground me wire to ground was corroded and be acident I suppose me towing wire harnest was arcing to ground I simply cutt off that thing repaired leter that blinker / lights problem kinde of me car run in union with blinker relay and odometer worked again no ticking??? So thats what confuse me most me odometer works its that thing that counts milage / kilometers . So be all means Im anoyed what the hell shuld I do? Shuld I add ground wire to dashboard for extra safty ? Use diodes and where exactly I did notice GM made fatal mistake they bypassed the alternator light diode insted those dicks used the car warning light insted so that wuld explain me alternator backcharge but still that odometer confuse me . Can that deam thing act cinde of timer?

[@Joefixesit]

I do not sorry

[@oldshield]

Can I send you mine to fix?

[@JoeisHungry]

I dont hire out for repair work sorry.

[@yoshinoyajones8924]

what does the circuit board operate?

[@JoeisHungry]

interment cluster

[@yoshinoyajones8924]

@@JoeisHungry aaaaahh

[@JoeisHungry]

@@yoshinoyajones8924 the circuit board is a fragile piece of plastic with imbedded thin wires on the back of the cluster

[@armycece]

Ok I have a 1977 chevy malibu I had a busted speedo cable and replaced it but now my speedo cable just drops past zero

[@Joefixesit]

Not famiiar with that speedo head

[@jongon705]

What’s going on if the speedometer needle hole part is seized

[@Joefixesit]

not sure what you mean, the needle does not move or will not come off?

[@jongon705]

@@Joefixesit so in the back of the cluster where you screw in the cable , that part won’t spin

[@Joefixesit]

@@jongon705 I have seen speedo heads rusted almost solid but not that part froze.. need some serious soaking in 3 on one oil.. not the spray can stuff that is WD with a 3 in one label

[@jongon705]

@@Joefixesit ohhh ok I’ll try a good soaking. Awesome video! Mine is a 1984 diesel rabbit

[@Joefixesit]

@@jongon705 ahh, the mk1 speedometers are a little different but not that much. a little less problematic . I had one for a while put 600,000 on it myself until I rolled it. what part of the country you live in?

[@TheLincolnTax]

Hello Joe, Can I pay you to fix my cluster?

[@JoeisHungry]

I do not do repairs for hire. Sorry. Where are you anyway?

[@Joefixesit]

don't have enough parts or time, you live close to me?

[@kevinulshafer3303]

Having problems with the number wheels snagging causing the speedometer to jump.

[@Joefixesit]

3 in one oil and take it apart and clean and de-rust

[@Grox4990]

My speedometer needle broke when I pulled it off, I ordered a replacement but the replacement will not go on. Does anyone have any ideas?

[@Joefixesit]

I did not know you could even get a replacement for a Mk2 VW

[@Grox4990]

@@Joefixesit I found it on eBay

[@Joefixesit]

@@Grox4990 you are lucky if it the right one.best thing to do is troll the junk yards and grab every cluster you can find for parts.

[@erkkakuusela9040]

mine shows 20kmh less than the actual speed by gps, i drive 100kmh and its 80kmh

[@Joefixesit]

you just going to have to pull the needle and move it the appropriate amount..