Speedometer

[Andrew]

My speedo doesn't work and I'm not sure what to do. From what I can tell there could be two problems. Electrical connection or the speedo cable. I'm sure there are more options but i'm starting here. What should I do to start trouble shooting? I have some other electrical issues but some of those could just be bulbs that are out. My headlights don't work as well.

[RiverPatrol]

Well, don't waste your time chasing an electrical issue for the speedo; the speedo is cable driven. It's a pretty simple setup, so start by checking that the cable is connected to the back of the speedo and the transmission. If it is properly connected at both ends, it is possible that the cable is bad or frozen. Start with that and let us know what you find.

For the headlights, it probably isn't the bulbs. If one didn't work then I would agree it might be the bulb, but not both. Check the fuses first, then check the headlight switch. Do the front park lights and tail lights work? Do the turn signals work? Do the high beams work?

Good luck!

[Andrew]

The cable is connected at both ends. How difficult is it to find a new cable?

The fuses look fine but one is missing. It's one of the middle two. When you say headlight switch is that the H knob on the dash? One signal works in the front left. Highbeams don't work.

[Coyote Patrol]

First disconnect the cable from the speedo while driving it watch the cable. Does it turn? If so gear and cable are ok, and speedo head is probably the problem. If cable isn't turning i would suspect bad cable or gear in tranny.

[Coyote Patrol]

The cable is connected at both ends. How difficult is it to find a new cable?

The fuses look fine but one is missing. It's one of the middle two. When you say headlight switch is that the H knob on the dash? One signal works in the front left. Highbeams don't work.

If your low beams work your headlamp switch is good, I would suspect a bad dimmer switch NAPA part #DS105 if you get this switch let me know, because the way the wires hook up is a little different. Switch bolts right in and looks very similar to original. With a volt meter double check for high beam voltage at headlamps, its rare but both high beams could be burned out. If you have voltage lamps are bad. If no voltage dimmer switch is bad. the fuse block on my 66 has 5 fuses the middle one is for the headlamps. If its out i don't have low or high beams.
JFYI one of the best investments i have made for my Patrol were the KC Highlites 7" round Lexan 55/65w H4 headlamps i purchased from EBAY, WOW these are nice they light up the night on high beam! And they look good.

[Andrew]

Thank you both. i will give these suggestions a try tomorrow.

I took a picture of the fuse box to show the missing fuse. I can't put a fuse in because its missing a clip. Is this the headlight fuse by any chance?

[RiverPatrol]

You should replace the fuse that is missing, it could be the one for the headlights. And double check the other fuses - make sure that you are getting current from the top and the bottom.

If you need a speedo cable, check Ebay. I think roodogs4wdspares used to have them.

[Coyote Patrol]

If you want, you could run a jumper wire just to check, turn the headlamps on and put jumper wire in between the terminals. THIS IS JUST TO CHECK, don't leave it in there. To repair that you will need to go to the parts house and get an inline fuse (flat blade type 30 amp preferred for this) connect it between the top terminal screw and the bottom terminal screw. That will fix that problem.

[miller]

You can buy new speedo cables out of Australia. If he wont ship it to you let me know and I'll buy it and ship it to you.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NISSAN-PATRO ... 416wt_1161

A good way to test if the guage is stuffed is to firstly remove the cable from the back. Then remove the guage from the dash panel. You will see the rotating dowl (for lack of a better word) that the cable goes into on the back. Get a cordless drill and tighten it down on the end of the dowl. Turn the drill on and the speedo should work when the dowl is spinning.

Might not hurt to pull that fuse block and give it a good scrub. I found so many on my electrical gremlins are caused by bad/dirty connections or bad earths.

[norville]

do you have lock out hubs? If you do you may have to have them engaged in order for the speedo to work. at least it's true on earlier transfercases..