RTV X1100C Speedometer issue

[NC Retiree]

I have a second hand RTV X1100c (2015) that is always showing a 0 (zero) for speed and the mileage meter is no longer increasing. Everything else on the assembly meter works fine. Hour meter works fine. When I got it, it was working fine but just started acting funny and now just shows 0.

I checked the connector at the sending unit mounted on the side of the engine and it showed 12.5 volts on terminal 1 and 4.8 volts on terminal 2 (the middle one) which were according to the specs in the shop manual. I replaced the sending unit but that made no change.

So I assumed it must be the assembly meter located on the dash. I borrowed a used one from a dealer and found the same issue. He said it was from a waranteed work done from another RTV.

Either the meter needs to be replaced or there is some other gremlin messing with me.

Before I spend $250 to $300 on a new meter (which I can't return) I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue and how did you solve it?

I know this is long and appreciate and help.

NC Retiree

 

[aurthuritis]

i think there is another sender somewhere on the transmission that picks up rotation and converts it into speed. probably just unplugged

 

[NC Retiree]

Thanks for your suggestion. I'm unaware of any other sender for the speedometer.

Are there any other ideas?
Thanks

 

[shinnery]

Any senders on the engine would only give you engine speed info or RPM as in a Tachometer. Vehicle speed or distance info has to come from the tranny output or differential somewhere. I believe you need to keep looking. Some VWs ran the speedometer off the front wheel. My '06 RTV900 has no speedometer.
Bryce

 

[NC Retiree]

Sorry for misstating the location of the speed sending sensor unit. I just confirmed that I am properly talking about the speeding sensor. I have replaced that unit but that made no change in the operation of the zero on the assembly meter. So as far as I can tell, there are no other sensors that might effect the proper operation.

I will go back and check the wiring harness and the contacts on the sensor but I'm pretty sure, unless someone else knows anything else, the meter will need to be replaced.

Thanks

 

[bordercollie]

i think there is another sender somewhere on the transmission that picks up rotation and converts it into speed. probably just unplugged

Aurthuritis is right regarding a side location on the models like I have had. I also remember installing one on my '05 - Now true, this was 12 years ago( ! wow ! and BCZoom sent me directions he found, on how to install it back then- ) I believe it was on one side of the transmission near the axle on the '05 . collie
edit : does the speedometer light up with the lights turned on?
edit: I misread your post but will leave this reply just because I want to shock Zoom with my great memory and eternal gratitude . have a great evening . collie

 

[NC Retiree]

We all need a shock every once in a while. I just confirmed the sensor is mounted on the transmission rather than the engine.

I hope I don't get bit buying a assembly meter and that does not fix the problem but that's life right?

If that fixes it, I'll post to let everyone know. If it doesn't, my 2015 RTV X1100c well have a newborn birthday.

 

[TXNAVRET]

We all need a shock every once in a while. I just confirmed the sensor is mounted on the transmission rather than the engine.

I hope I don't get bit buying a assembly meter and that does not fix the problem but that's life right?

If that fixes it, I'll post to let everyone know. If it doesn't, my 2015 RTV X1100c well have a newborn birthday.

I know it’s been a long time ago but did you install a new meter addy and did it fix your problem? I have exact same symptoms and new speed sensor did not fix it.

 

[TXNAVRET]

I know it’s been a long time ago but did you install a new meter addy and did it fix your problem? I have exact same symptoms and new speed sensor did not fix it.

Should say meter assembly.

 

[Doc]

I had the same problem on my 2015 RTV x1100c in Feb 2022. I took it to dealer and all my notes say is a new connector for the speedometer. I can contact the dealer for more info on exactly what they connected if that might help.

 

[TXNAVRET]

There are 2 connectors on back of the meter assy. Sounds like he replaced the larger one which has the connection to the speed sensor. I have proper voltages on connector that attaches to speed sensor and I checked continuity between the sensor and meter so wiring should be good. Replaced sensor so all that is left is the meter assy and whatever is in the transmission that induces voltage into the sensor. I have to suspect the meter. What causes me doubt is that the meter is reading 0 mph and odometer reading is there but stopped at time of speed loss.

 

[Doc]

I called the dealer who fixed mine. No help. they are under new ownership and new computer system. Said he was going to try to get into the old system and check and call me back. That was at 9 this morning. I doubt I hear from them, if I do I will post here.

 

[Smilingreen]

It looks like that sensor goes to the ECU, before the ECU outputs a signal to the gauge on the cluster. To test a MRE type sensor, you will need access to an oscilloscope to check that signal for proper pulsing.

It also looks like power for the sensor comes through several harness connectors. It is possible you just have a bad power connection to the sensor. I would start by disconnecting and reconnecting the chassis wire harness connectors. That may solve your problem if you are not getting +12VDC power to the sensor receptacle and your 5 amp fuse is good. Also, check your ground wire connection on the receptacle. (pin 3?) Getting voltage to the sensor is only half the circuit. It needs a good, solid ground connection for the sensor to work properly. I believe pin 1 is power, pin 2 is raw signal and pin 3 is ground.

 

[TXNAVRET]

It looks like that sensor goes to the ECU, before the ECU outputs a signal to the gauge on the cluster. To test a MRE type sensor, you will need access to an oscilloscope to check that signal for proper pulsing.

It also looks like power for the sensor comes through several harness connectors. It is possible you just have a bad power connection to the sensor. I would start by disconnecting and reconnecting the chassis wire harness connectors. That may solve your problem if you are not getting +12VDC power to the sensor receptacle and your 5 amp fuse is good. Also, check your ground wire connection on the receptacle. (pin 3?) Getting voltage to the sensor is only half the circuit. It needs a good, solid ground connection for the sensor to work properly. I believe pin 1 is power, pin 2 is raw signal and pin 3 is ground.

I have checked all the above already. Just bought a new meter assy and that did not fix it so either I bought a bad new sensor or the pulses are not being induced from the transmission. I know I could check it with an ocilloscope but don’t have one.

 

[Smilingreen]

OK, well seeing the schematic shows the sensor utilizes a NPN transistor, I mentioned the ground connection. Using an ohm meter, check the resistance from the 3rd pin to the chassis ground. If you are getting more than a few ohms of resistance to chassis or an intermittent connection, you probably have a bad ground connection. You never told us what year your X1100C is. Wiring schematics are different for older models.