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MG MGF Technical - No speedo and V light steering

Hi,

RE: MGF VVC 1997

Speedometer shut down this morning, at the same time the steering became very light. I know that the power streering assistance is proportional to road speed, but what has caused the problem? broken speedo cable? or something more sinister happening in the gearbox?

If anyone has had a similar problem, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike.
M King

Likely cause is a broken speedo cable - check out Rob Bell's site for full details.

Normal fail-safe operation would be for steering to become heavy, not light, so you might have a different problem.

Chris
Chris

I agree with you Chris - broken speedo cable is the problem here. If the engine speeds have not been high (say above around 2750rpm), then the fail safe does not kick in, and you're left with very light, non-speed sensitive steering assistance. Get the engine speeds up though, and the EPAS will kick out. If it doesn't, then as Chris says, there is another problem to look into...

Fixing the speedo cable is pretty straightforward - more here: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/DIY/Speedo_cable/index.htm

Hope this helps Mike! :o)
Rob Bell

Thanks boys,
I was hoping it would be something not tooo serious.

Really strange driving with maximum EPAS, like being on ice!
Can you recomend a supplier or website where I could gets the bits from.

Mike
M King

Brown & Gammons, Mike Satur, MGF Centre or even a local motor factor. I had to replace mine recently and got it from the ex-MG-Rover garage. It's almost certainly the rear-most section that's broken. Not hard to replace if you don't mind getting underneath. You will also need access through the engine hatch behind the seats.
Mike Howlett

Also try other X-part suppliers such as Rimmer Bros etc
Rob Bell

Thanks to Rob for his excelent illustrated instructions, a much simpler job than I thought. Although getting an adjustable spanner on that gearbox nut caused the neighbours to blush!

The inner cable had snapped just a couple of inches from the gearbox end. now I am sure what the problem is, I'll try and source a replacement. I presume once the speedo is working again the EPAS failsafe light will extinguish automatically?

Mike.
M King

It will go out once you start driving, not before. It needs to see a signal from the speedo.
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed between 26/11/2007 and 01/12/2007

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