1994 Xantia TD VSX Rev counter dead!

[sprout]

I have had this car now for 5 weeks.
Initialy the rev counter was fine but then started leaping about after 10 mins or so and then stop.
It now has stopped altogether!.
Any advice on where to start would be appreciated
Cheers
Martin

[reblack68]

Some rev counters work from the "W" terminal on the alternator, the wire coming loose can make the rev counter jump about with the rocking of the engine. I'm probably wrong but it's got to be worth a look around the back of the alternator.

[philhoward]

I thought they worked off a TDC sensor in the gearbox bellhousing...must go and have a look at mine!

[sprout]

Thanks for the help so far but I am still having no joy.
If anyone els has any ideas I would be grateful.
Martin

[Tebster]

Hi Martin,
On the early Xantia it is a common fault that the tacho itself just stops working,I had to replace my tacho on a 1995 TD because it had exactly the same problems as yours.
Before you condem the tacho itself check all connections, if it has a TDC sensor I would be tempted to replace that first, only £12.50 from gsf.
Regards
paul

[Dave Burns]

The tdc pickup for the tacho on non ecu td's is in the bell housing flange on the block, it faces the rear of the flywheel, got at from under the (SAFELY SUPPORTED) car.
On ecu models it is in the top of the gearbox bell housing.
Its wiring connector is at the front of the engine in both cases, usualy brown in colour located below the fuel filter and above the starter motor.
I've not had one go down yet, but have had several clocks go down.
Dave

[jeremy]

Have a very good look at the sensor cable. I have seen one with where the cable itself has gone hard and has broken the insulation away where the cables go into the sensor. If you are patient it may be possible to repair otherwise replace.
jeremy