Speedometer stops working in rain

[redpro5]

Hey guys, I just got a 03 Protege5 about a month ago and yesterday my speedometer stopped working after I drove through a pothole full of water in the rain. I assume water got into the sensor because the speedo stopped working for a while then started working again as I drove it. Upon driving the car today the speedo works fine. Has anyone had this issue? What can I do to stop it?

 

[_Chris]

The plug on the transmission might be loose. So water might have got in there and then dried out. You might check it and see. Its on the back side of the transmission(firewall side) you might be able to see it from the top but its real easy to see from the bottom.

 

[Sport23]

Make sure you have the splash guard for the driver's side. Also, you can spray on some contact cleaner then put some spark plug boot gel in the connector to help seal it.

 

[redpro5]

Thanks guys! Will check tomorrow morning. It might not have a splash guard because the front bumper had been replaced before I got it so the repair shop might not have put it back on. If indeed I don't have a splash guard where is a cheap place to get OEM or aftermarket parts like that?

 

[redpro5]

so i tightened the sensor towards the front of the car and that fixed the speedo problem for a week but then today the speedo stopped working again. i am thinking i should i take it all apart and clean the sensor as moisture might be stuck in it? also while under the car this weekend i noticed that there is another sensor at the back of the engine and one of its wires has been cut. what does this sensor go to? could this be why my cruise control isn't working?

 

[P-Funk!]

Could be. It would make sense. Solder and tape them.

 

[ucMP3]

The plug on the transmission might be loose. So water might have got in there and then dried out. You might check it and see. Its on the back side of the transmission(firewall side) you might be able to see it from the top but its real easy to see from the bottom.

You can see it from above.

But, that is a dummy sensor unless his p5 doesn't have ABS. If he has ABS, he gets the speedo/odo reading from the ABS system, and there is just a dummy sensor in place on the transmission itself. Typically there is no speedo gear within the transmission to read off of either; if it is equipped with ABS. I was under the impression that all p5's had ABS... (shrug)

So, OP: Do you have ABS?

 

[Sport23]

Not all P5's have ABS (mine included,) but I am going to guess that his does.

 

[ucMP3]

Not all P5's have ABS (mine included,) but I am going to guess that his does.

Ok, well my guess is he has ABS, and the wiring from the ABS relay has a problem. I don't see water getting up on the transmission speedo sensor, unless you are in a G-D monsoon, or sitting in a lake. lol

 

[bucksatan]

You can see it from above.

But, that is a dummy sensor unless his p5 doesn't have ABS. If he has ABS, he gets the speedo/odo reading from the ABS system, and there is just a dummy sensor in place on the transmission itself. Typically there is no speedo gear within the transmission to read off of either; if it is equipped with ABS. I was under the impression that all p5's had ABS... (shrug)

So, OP: Do you have ABS?

All canadian P5s do, but from what I can gather is is fairly rare in the states.

 

[redpro5]

I went by the dealer this weekend and had them run my VIN and I don not have ABS. Where does this put me now since I have two sensors, my speedo works most of the time but quits when it's wet?

 

[RABID_MP5]

You can see it from above.

But, that is a dummy sensor unless his p5 doesn't have ABS. If he has ABS, he gets the speedo/odo reading from the ABS system, and there is just a dummy sensor in place on the transmission itself. Typically there is no speedo gear within the transmission to read off of either; if it is equipped with ABS. I was under the impression that all p5's had ABS... (shrug)

So, OP: Do you have ABS?

I've got ABS. So are you saying that the speed/OD is being read by the ABS tone rings on the outer CV joints? Where are the electronics for the ABS - in the ECU box, instrument cluster, or their own box?

I don't know if the non-ABS in the OP ever got resolved.

 

[slavrenz]

I've got ABS. So are you saying that the speed/OD is being read by the ABS tone rings on the outer CV joints? Where are the electronics for the ABS - in the ECU box, instrument cluster, or their own box?

I don't know if the non-ABS in the OP ever got resolved.

The ABS sensors on your wheels basically generate a weak magnetic field with the toothed ring that is on your axle. When the ring spins, the field is made and broken repeatedly, because of the gaps in between the teeth on the ring. The speed at which this happens is directly correlated to the speed of the vehicle.

As far as the electronics, I believe there is a separate computer controlling the ABS system, but I don't know where it's located.