By AntonyK on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 11:35 pm: Edit

I've previously had problems with my 1997 Disco cutting out at high speed on the highway when on cruise control.

I thought it was the Throttle Position Sensor that may have been causing it. I replaced it and for a while didn't get any more problems.

However.... the problem has returned a few months later and I have more information about it now because it's worse.

When driving along, for instance at 70mph without Cruise Control enabled the speedo died and dropped to zero, sometimes bouncing back up to say 30mph for half a second then back down again. Sometimes just staying at zero for 20 minutes or so. I can drive normally when this happens. There is no noticable affect on the engine.

If I'm on Cruise control when the speedo starts jumping around, it's a different matter. The engine starts to play up, probably because the cruise control is sending strange signals to the throttle. When the speedo is at zero, I can't set the cruise speed of course.

I intend looking at the Vehicle Speed Sensor on the Transfer case. Has anyone ever replaced one please? I had a quick look but it seems quite awkward to get your hands in between the handbrake and the transfer case. What's involved please and do you think I'm looking in the right place to solve this fault?

By Alex Schubow (Alex) on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 01:07 am: Edit

It IS a pain in the ass, and while it may be possible to change it without a special tool, it is likely to be one of the more frustrating experiences of your life. You need an extended 5mm allen key socket with a ball end. Here is a link in case you're not sure what I mean:

http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/33500/33408.JPG

It sounds like you're barking up the right tree, yeah.

Alex

By AntonyK on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 12:57 am: Edit

Thanks Alex. I'm not in the mood for ball ache jobs so will put up with this unti the next major service and get someone else to replace it. I'll save the skin on my knuckles for the rest of the truck.

Antony.

By Alex Schubow (Alex) on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 01:35 am: Edit

Anthony,

I guess I should have added - with that oddball socket it takes 15 minutes or so...without it, well....

Alex