Speedometer needle osillates at zero when turning on or off ignition

[TeamOK]

This is a 99 SC1 and when the ignition is first turned on or off the speedometer needle , being on zero miles per hour , will oscillate/vibrate on the 0 miles per hour part of the speedometer for about 5 seconds then quit . Is there an external sensor to check on or is this a pull the dash to look for a loose ground type of problem ? It is not causing any driveability problems but just an annoyance . My hanes manual schematics are hard to follow . I can live without fixing this problem if it means pulling the dash .

[zzdaddyo]

I have the same issue, does anyone know what the problem is? can it be fixed easily?
Thanks

[RC1488]

The Speedometer is controlled by the PCM which gets information about the vehicle speed from the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the rear of the transaxle. You may want to make sure the connector is plugged in all the way, or using a scan tool, see if when moving the scanner tells you a speed. If it does then the speedometer gear may be broken and removal of the cluster would be needed

[zzdaddyo]

The speedometer and tackometer both work fine when the engine is running and driving. The osillating only occurs right after the ignition is turned off. It will also occur when turning the ignition switch on, but not starting the engine.. it will stop after about 5 seconds. So, it does work, it's just annoying. Thanks for the reply, but do you still think it could be a broken gear? Could an electrical component be failing?

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by zzdaddyo

The speedometer and tackometer both work fine when the engine is running and driving. The osillating only occurs right after the ignition is turned off. It will also occur when turning the ignition switch on, but not starting the engine.. it will stop after about 5 seconds. So, it does work, it's just annoying. Thanks for the reply, but do you still think it could be a broken gear? Could an electrical component be failing?

If it works for normal driving, then i dont suspect a broken gear. However ask to what exactly im not sure. Your the first ive ever read have this problem

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by zzdaddyo

The speedometer and tackometer both work fine when the engine is running and driving. The osillating only occurs right after the ignition is turned off. It will also occur when turning the ignition switch on, but not starting the engine.. it will stop after about 5 seconds. So, it does work, it's just annoying. Thanks for the reply, but do you still think it could be a broken gear? Could an electrical component be failing?

If the speedometer works fine when driving, i dont suspect a gear being the issue. however what the problem is exactly im not sure. Your the first ive read have this issue. Sorry

[zzdaddyo]

Thanks RC. There were a couple other posts with the same problem, (inlcuding this orignal post from TeamOK) but no responses... maybe someone else has come across this problem that could respond. Thanks again.

[zzdaddyo]

more info... I have an aftermarket remote start kit installed, could that be causing this issue? also, to clarify, I have a 99 SL2, not a 99 SC1 like TeamOK. Thanks.

[tvsteve]

This action is normal for the 99 year. My wagon, purchased new has done this from day 1. I questioned Saturn back in 99 on this. Jitter lasts for 5 seconds. I replied to this problem over at Saturnfans as other 99 owners have the same issue. BTW there are no gears, it's all electronic.

Steve

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by tvsteve

BTW there are no gears, it's all electronic.

Not entirely true. There is no mechanical linkage from the tranny to the speedomoter, but there is an electric motor or servo that moves the needle based on the electric signal from the PCM.

[zzdaddyo]

Originally Posted by tvsteve

This action is normal for the 99 year. My wagon, purchased new has done this from day 1. I questioned Saturn back in 99 on this. Jitter lasts for 5 seconds. I replied to this problem over at Saturnfans as other 99 owners have the same issue. BTW there are no gears, it's all electronic.

Steve

Thanks tv.. so nothing to worry about?, just a "feature"? It's annoying, but I guess I can live with it. Thanks again. zz.

[Trikeman72]

Originally Posted by zzdaddyo

Thanks tv.. so nothing to worry about?, just a "feature"? It's annoying, but I guess I can live with it. Thanks again. zz.

i just got a 99 sc1 coupe and it does the same thing.. i was wondering what that was about lol...

problem i have it blowin frikin turn signal fuses sighs

[Albanianmafie]

I have the same problem on my 99 sc2. the damn thing is annoying thats for sure.i pulled out the dash board unpluged and cleaned both fuses in the back but it still does that.