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Topic: Digital speedometer problem? (Read 1464 times) previous topic - next topic

Digital speedometer problem?

As some may know im putting a complete tbird interior into a mustang and a problem i am facing now is the speedometer. I know that both the buttstuffog and digital speedos ran on a VSS from 85 on but how do they hook up???

Like for the buttstuffog one is there a regular cable that connects to the speedo and then plugs into a sensor mounted on the tranny??? I mostly want to know how the digital ones hook up but I do want to know how the buttstuffog ones are too.

This project is a lot harder than I thought :hick:.
Son of Jleews6, Johnny 5:p
85 GT 1C vert = resto project grey int. no power options but A/C. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=92213&highlight=convertible+build+thread
85 GT 2R hatch = ALL original sunroof car grey int.,full scale restoration coming one day
85 GT 2A hatch =  tan int. 2.5" full exhaust, BBK headers, AutoMeter Pro Comp gauges, 5-Lug w/17" Bullitts, converted to FI, 8.8 w/3.55s etc.
90 LX EL hatch = grey int. stock 5.0 auto
85 GT 1C hatch = parts car :(

Digital speedometer problem?

Reply #1 –
vss is a sensor on the transmission that goes to the tranny and replaces the speedo cable. The speedo on our cars do not have a speedo cable.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Digital speedometer problem?

Reply #2 –
Yeah sorry bout that I was reading something about the 83-84s and was confused. I did read about people wanting with 83-84 cars wanting to switch to full digital would have to hook up a voltage regulator for the sensor do you have any idea on how I would do that. I did find a link to COOL CATS for the wires from the cluster so that helps alot :D.
Son of Jleews6, Johnny 5:p
85 GT 1C vert = resto project grey int. no power options but A/C. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=92213&highlight=convertible+build+thread
85 GT 2R hatch = ALL original sunroof car grey int.,full scale restoration coming one day
85 GT 2A hatch =  tan int. 2.5" full exhaust, BBK headers, AutoMeter Pro Comp gauges, 5-Lug w/17" Bullitts, converted to FI, 8.8 w/3.55s etc.
90 LX EL hatch = grey int. stock 5.0 auto
85 GT 1C hatch = parts car :(

Digital speedometer problem?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: jleews6;317028
Yeah sorry bout that I was reading something about the 83-84s and was confused. I did read about people wanting with 83-84 cars wanting to switch to full digital would have to hook up a voltage regulator for the sensor do you have any idea on how I would do that. I did find a link to COOL CATS for the wires from the cluster so that helps alot :D.


This should help you!

Digital speedometer problem?

Reply #4 –
Cool thanks man now I just have to read the mustang one and combine the two lol.
Son of Jleews6, Johnny 5:p
85 GT 1C vert = resto project grey int. no power options but A/C. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=92213&highlight=convertible+build+thread
85 GT 2R hatch = ALL original sunroof car grey int.,full scale restoration coming one day
85 GT 2A hatch =  tan int. 2.5" full exhaust, BBK headers, AutoMeter Pro Comp gauges, 5-Lug w/17" Bullitts, converted to FI, 8.8 w/3.55s etc.
90 LX EL hatch = grey int. stock 5.0 auto
85 GT 1C hatch = parts car :(

Digital speedometer problem?

Reply #5 –
Good luck with that.I really find it amazing when you guys swap these kind of gauages and do this kind of work.I've done a LOT to the Sport,but this stuff is awesome.I want aftermarket gauges.Too bad they'll cost 3 times more than I paid for the Sport.LOL.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Digital speedometer problem?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: jleews6;317044
Cool thanks man now I just have to read the mustang one and combine the two lol.


The speed sensor operates off the dark green/white striped wire in the cluster wiring harness. This wire is also the one that ties into the Tripminder.

This kind of information is helping me to adapt the 95 Mustang instrument cluster into my car since I am using the Mustang dash. I am getting to know the wiring systems so well that it is scary! But I always had a knack for things electrical! I guess it helps that my father is an electronics technician and one of my grandfathers was an electrical contractor.