Replacing speed sensor on 1996 XJ

[fenns7]

The speedometer on my XJ works fine but the odometer does not and clicks over maybe 5% of the time - totally random.


I've had the gauge cluster out and all looks fine & dandy inside - the small unit containing the numbers moves fine and the gear teeth all look undamaged. I'm thinking maybe the sender unit must be faulty and since they're relatively cheap I am looking to replace it - I like to use a Mopar sensors whenever available but the only available sensors are aftermarket from Crown etc.


The problem: unless I'm missing something these replacement units all appear to have a different male connector (on the body of the sensor unit) and come with a replacement female connecting block and pigtail which means I have to cut the old connector off and solder in the new one. Is this correct and if so is there an alternative solution as I really don't like idea of cutting off an OE connector?


Here's my OE speedo sender with black female OE connector (top part of photo):


https://i.postimg.cc/yx3HZ2FX/IMG-2949.jpg


here's the inside of the male connector on the unit - 3 pin connection:


https://i.postimg.cc/GhpMqvNV/fe9563f8-143b-464a-9123-5297d413e54b.jpg


and the sender unit:


https://i.postimg.cc/RhNcQZYJ/37e880ed-2ef7-4a74-bcf1-ce2f23bf4f03.jpg




I think I have read somwhere i is indeed 'cut 'n splice' but if anyone has a better solution I'd appreciate it :cheers:.


P.S. any recommendations on best brand of speedo sensor in the absence of a Mopar part? I tend to go for Standard or NGK usually.

 

[lawsoncl]

If the speedometer is working fine, then it's not the speed sensor.

 

[lawsoncl]

I've not had a later model cluster apart, but I suspect something is wrong with the odo portion of the dash. Something like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4d4y7_Iygs (not a cherokee)

 

[fenns7]

If the speedometer is working fine, then it's not the speed sensor.

Makes sense and that's what I assumed but as it's electronic rather than cable I thought maybe there's been a partial failure ? To be frank I'm not too bothered as long as the speedo works as it keeps the mileage down :laugh:

 

[Unclewolverine]

X2 not the sensor. Definitely in the gauge.

 

[fenns7]

Thank you again guys - much appreciated. I do have a spare cluster and may try a transplant of the odometer module sometime down the line if lack of being able to track journey distance starts to grate.


Am I correct thinking if I ever need to change the speedo sensor I have to splice in a new connector?


Simon

 

[lawsoncl]

I believe that is correct that the replacement sensors have a different connector. You do need to change the connector on the wiring harness side

 

[fenns7]

Thank you sir