Dodgy speedo?

[maxwell]

Hi All
I am new to Bongos, but keen to own one. I've seen one but it has a very low mileage - 30,000 miles. Apparently the mileometer has stopped working. Haven't driven it yet nor did I think to ask if the speedo also is faulty.
I am trying to verify the true mileage but in the meantime does anyone know if the speedo assembly/workings are mechanical or electrictronic? If the problem lies with the speedo cable how easy/difficult might it be to rectify?
Is this something that happens to Bongos?
Cheers

[catzi]

If it's been fitted with UK speedo, perhaps the drums were jammed when it was wound on to the correct mileage?

[westonwarrior]

Bongo speedos are electrical so no cable

[maxwell]

Thanks for your replies. I also looked on the Clinic & discovered that there is probably a frequency converter chip fitted behind the instrument panel which is needed to convert the odometer from kilometers to miles. Perhaps this might be another cause of the problem? This is a really helpful website for a bongo acolyte such as myself!
Thanks again

[Simon Jones]

Has the speedo stopped working too, or just the odometer? They're fed by the same signal from the gearbox, so if it is only half working, then it is probably the whole unit that needs replacing. Not a difficult or expensive job to replace with one from Mazda 626 that will already be in MPH.

Worth checking what paperwork is available to support the recorded mileage. It is not unheard of for dealers to 'loose' a few thousand miles before sticking it on the forecourt. It is possible to damage the odometer by remove it to wind the mileage back.

[westonwarrior]

put your location in your profile it may help you find a local expert.


why is the speedo not working is what you need to ask.

was it clocked and something broke thats why its so low a milage?

it could be just a loose wire 4 are attached to the back to drive it and 1 may have come adrift or left off when clocked or chip fitted.

It could have a chip that is faulty

Clearly more questions need asking of the seller

[catzi]

It's pretty easy to swap the old jap speedo for a nice UK one.

I had one of those speedo chips and got fed up with the speedo needle's tendency to jump about (apparently not uncommon with the chipped speedos?).

Purchased a 626 Speedo off ebay(for an unreasonable price ) and swapped it over. Was pretty simple to wind on the mileage drums (to the correct mileage of course) with a screwdriver.