W202 Intermittent Speedo

[Merc808]

Dear all,
I have a W202 diesel elegance auto 1996. From standstill, hot or cold engine, the speedo doesn't start moving/registering until I hit 30 mph or so where it suddenly jumps into life. This fault is very intermittent and sometimes works fine. I have had the instrument pod out and made sure the two connections on the back are fine, which they are. This is particular annoying as there are a lot of 30 and 20 mph zones where live with the dreaded speed cameras. Is there a sensor somewhere that needs to be cleaned and/or re earthed etc. Any ideas ? it's putting the wife off driving it which is leaving me to do more than my share of the school run. Come on lads.!
Thanks in anticipation

 

[Thmsshaun]

Having this problem a lot myself at the minute and if you do a search you should be able to pull up more information on it.

Mine seems to be worse after going on a long run

But what other members have said previously is to take out your cluster and clean the little pin that the speedo needle rests on.

Hope this helps

Shaun.

P.S Im to lazy to take mine out at the minute. I just give the dash a quick tap and it springs into life.

 

[Merc808]

Thanks, I must admit I have resorted to hitting the top of the dash at the moment. How do I do a search to find other threads ?

 

[Merc808]

Sorted,
I took the pod out yesterday and cleaned the rest pin and needle with surgical spirit. Up to now, touch wood, it is working fine from rest.
Merc 808