The Ford Barn

Shoebox · 10-03-2023, 09:09 AM

Forgive me if this is a bit "off topic" for here but there are some really electrically savvy guys here. So, I have an electric SW speedo in my '32 fed by a GPS module, it has worked well and I don't have to change anything when I change gears in the quick change rear end. Yesterday I get in to go for a Fall drive and right away I see something wrong, the needle is at rest at the high end (see pic) and once underway there is no movement. IF it was just no needle movement I'd check power to GPS module and from it to speedo (will still do this) but that needle pegged as it is has me puzzled. Any thoughts most welcome. Thanks.

itslow · 10-03-2023, 09:33 AM

Is the needle still pegged when the GPS module is disconnected from the speedometer?

Shoebox · 10-03-2023, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itslow

Is the needle still pegged when the GPS module is disconnected from the speedometer?

Don't know yet, but needle doesn't even twitch when key is turned on/off.

petehoovie · 10-03-2023, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoebox

Forgive me if this is a bit "off topic" for here but there are some really electrically savvy guys here. So, I have an electric SW speedo in my '32 fed by a GPS module, it has worked well and I don't have to change anything when I change gears in the quick change rear end. Yesterday I get in to go for a Fall drive and right away I see something wrong, the needle is at rest at the high end (see pic) and once underway there is no movement. IF it was just no needle movement I'd check power to GPS module and from it to speedo (will still do this) but that needle pegged as it is has me puzzled. Any thoughts most welcome. Thanks.

Shoebox · 10-03-2023, 06:17 PM

FWIW, I called a SW support line and was on hold for 30 minutes. Later in the day I tried a different number and spoke to a tech guy who wasn't able to really help. So any ideas at all most appreciated. Thanks.

Krylon32 · 10-03-2023, 06:38 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I just googled Stewart Warner GPS Speedometer and a page came up with some trouble shooting suggestions.

Shoebox · 10-04-2023, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krylon32

I just googled Stewart Warner GPS Speedometer and a page came up with some trouble shooting suggestions.

I'm on my way to Google!

GB SISSON · 10-04-2023, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoebox

I'm on my way to Google!

Might be a good idea to type the full word for 'speedometer' before you do that. Just sayin....

itslow · 10-05-2023, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoebox

So any ideas at all most appreciated. Thanks.

Start by disconnecting the GPS module from the speedometer. That will isolate the two and allow you to determine if the issue is in the speedometer or if it's the GPS module.

I'm assuming the GPS is not powered when the key is off, which would lean me toward the speedometer being damaged internally.

Which would then lead me to ask how did it get pegged? Did something break in its needle mechanism, or did the GPS provide an erroneous signal that caused it to max its MPH and subsequently damage the speedometer?

Tony, NY · 10-05-2023, 12:23 PM

I have the same setup. Try hitting the calibrate button on the speedo and see if it moves. Check for power and ground to speedo.

Shoebox · 10-06-2023, 10:09 AM

Mike & Tony, NY

Thanks for the responses and logical suggestions to diagnose. I'll be taking some time from my ongoing '51 shoebox project to find this speedometer issue. Will verify power/ground to speedo before disconnecting from GPS module. I did try pushing the program button with no response. I will report back at some point. Thanks.

Bored&Stroked · 10-09-2023, 06:14 AM

BTW, nice looking dash!

Shoebox · 10-09-2023, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

BTW, nice looking dash!

Thanks Dale.

10-03-2023, 09:33 AM	#2
itslow Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central Iowa Posts: 691	Re: Stewart Warner Electric Speedo Is the needle still pegged when the GPS module is disconnected from the speedometer? __________________ Mike Wanted: - '32-34 Open Cab Pickup (RPU) parts and documents/articles/info - ARDUN parts

10-03-2023, 06:17 PM	#5
Shoebox Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Holmen,Wisconsin Posts: 787	Re: Stewart Warner Electric Speedo FWIW, I called a SW support line and was on hold for 30 minutes. Later in the day I tried a different number and spoke to a tech guy who wasn't able to really help. So any ideas at all most appreciated. Thanks. __________________ I went, I saw, I bought the T shirt 51 Ford Deluxe Tudor 32 Ford roadster 39 Mercury Towncar

10-03-2023, 06:38 PM	#6
Krylon32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,489	Re: Stewart Warner Electric Speedo Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I just googled Stewart Warner GPS Speedometer and a page came up with some trouble shooting suggestions.

10-05-2023, 12:23 PM	#10
Tony, NY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Capital of Corruption , NY Posts: 811	Re: Stewart Warner Electric Speedo I have the same setup. Try hitting the calibrate button on the speedo and see if it moves. Check for power and ground to speedo.

10-06-2023, 10:09 AM	#11
Shoebox Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Holmen,Wisconsin Posts: 787	Re: Stewart Warner Electric Speedo Mike & Tony, NY Thanks for the responses and logical suggestions to diagnose. I'll be taking some time from my ongoing '51 shoebox project to find this speedometer issue. Will verify power/ground to speedo before disconnecting from GPS module. I did try pushing the program button with no response. I will report back at some point. Thanks. __________________ I went, I saw, I bought the T shirt 51 Ford Deluxe Tudor 32 Ford roadster 39 Mercury Towncar

10-09-2023, 06:14 AM	#12
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,070	Re: Stewart Warner Electric Speedo BTW, nice looking dash!