General Ducato Speedometer Problem

[Bedsitdriver]

Even though this is an old thread it has been useful to me by confirming the price a garage is likely to charge, so I will not wonder if I am being ripped off at £120-odd.
The AA tell me this is a common problem caused sometimes by loose connections (checked and not loose) or more frequently by gearbox oil contamination requiring a replacement part. This sounds like a design fault. I have an 04 Ducato based motorhome, rarely used, done 21,000 miles in 9 years. I wonder if FIAT designed the fault out in later models? This is the sort of thing I keep in mind when I trade up.

 

[Wille]

Thanks for a great tip! I had problems with the speedometer which sometimes worked and sometimes stopped working. I also noticed that the engine lost power when the speedometer stopped working, the power came back when the speedometer started to work again. A change of the sensor to the speedometer solved all the problems. This problem could hav been very expensive when you could not see anything in the diagnostic check. I was looking at the Swedish websites but found no information but luckily I found this excellent side who had the solution to my problems.
Fiat Ducato -06 2,0

Thank You for your help.
//Wille

 

[Dick24SC]

Re: Ducato speedo failure

Just had the same problem a couple of weeks ago with my 2002 Ducato Mk2 based motorhome.
The problem is the speedo 'sending unit' mounted on the back of the gearbox.
You will also find that it affects the engine performance as it also feeds a signal to the engine management unit.
Part cost £53.
Easy to replace.
I have complained to Fiat UK about the premature failure of this part.(9000 miles.) Don't suppose they will bother replying!!!

I have a 2002 Fiat Ducato motorhome with a 2.8jdt engine. Where is the sender unit located on the gearbox? Outside or inside?

 

[Communicator]

Dick24SC,

A 2002 MH could be either an x230, or an x244. If you do not already know which you have see the VIN number on the vehicle plate, or in the V5C registration document. The number will have the format xxx230nnnnn, or xxx244nnnnn.

With an x244, the electronic road speed sensor is fitted to the rear of the gearbox. See post #17 of the current thread.

I assume that an x230 2.8 JTD would be similar. See posts #5, and #7.

 

[Dick24SC]

Dick24SC,

A 2002 MH could be either an x230, or an x244. If you do not already know which you have see the VIN number on the vehicle plate, or in the V5C registration document. The number will have the format xxx230nnnnn, or xxx244nnnnn.

With an x244, the electronic road speed sensor is fitted to the rear of the gearbox. See post #17 of the current thread.

I assume that an x230 2.8 JTD would be similar. See posts #5, and #7.

It's not electric speedo but just the old push in manual speedo. Is the sender on the outside or the inside of the gearbox?

 

[SeveB60]

Hi, my 2004 Fiat Ducato jtd has a speedo issue.
Early into my journey the Speedo suddenly stops working but sometimes starts working again
Any idea’s guys

 

[Communicator]

The fact that the fault is only manifests itself after some distance has been travelled suggests that the problem may be caused a rise in temperature.
With this in mind, the speed sensor which is located at the gearbox becomes a possible suspect. Heating will be due to the gearbox warming up, and perhaps from the power consumed by the sensor. Sensors are not expensive and can be obtained from China via Ebay for less than £5.

Another cause could be a failing oil vapour heater. However I have only read of this device going short circuit and staying in that condition. Both the sensor and the heater among with other items are supplied by F11 in the engine bay fusebox. If that is blown by the heater failure, then no speedo. This one is easy to eliminate, as you can unplug the heater and operate without it unless venturing to the Scottish Highlands or Scandanavia in winter.

On the x244 the ECU uses the speed sensor in the cruise control option, but not clear whether used elsewhere, so perhaps no fault codes?

If neither of the above, and in the abscence of further suggestions, you may have to consider the possibility of a fault in the instrument panel.