Notices
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)

Cluster Speedometer

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 11:45 AM
  #1  
xshurikx's Avatar
xshurikx
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: NY
Default Cluster Speedometer

My speedometer was just fine except for the LEDs all out. Speed was reading properly, and it matched the android app i was using, which read my speed via GPS signal.

Sent my cluster in for repair to Lextech and just got it back. I have been using the same app for about a month on the same phone. I also tested the app while in other vehicles to match them to their speedometers and they were spot on maybe +/-1mph

Put the cluster in driving and decided to just pull out the app. speed was off by about 7mph higher on the GPS/phone app then on my speedometer

did some testing:
cluster GPS app
10MPH 10MPH or close enough as to not matter
15MPH 16MPH 1 miles higher
20MPH 22MPH
30MPH 33MPH now I am starting to worry, in NY a cop just needs a reason
40MPH 44MPH
50MPH 55MPH
60MPH 66-67MPH this is dangerous territory, this could be a huge ticket and points
70MPH 78-79MPH

I dont know why this is happening and I need to fix this asap. Spoke to Lextech they stated this is standard for it to be off by this much. But if i think i am going 60 but get clocked at 66 by a cop i am getting pulled over. Also it was not off prior to me sending it. perhaps since i have been driving with it out i just need to adjust it?

Anyone have a fix on this? if so how do i make sure i do it right and not just break the whole thing all together? i dont want to go buy a new one right after i got this one fixed.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 05:07 PM
  #2  
bigwhite's Avatar
bigwhite
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 442
Likes: 1
From: In
Default

Ive had the same prob. with mine after going to Lextech. Also tach is 500 or more slow

Last edited by bigwhite; Nov 7, 2013 at 05:14 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 06:30 PM
  #3  
O. L. T.'s Avatar
O. L. T.
Keeper of the light
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 485
From: My little world
Default

2mph off? GPS has nothing to do with actual road speed from a speedo standpoint. There is never going to be a speedo read what a GPS will unless you set the speedo to the GPS. The factory cluster settings are completely different thanks to tire and wheel size. GPS is an airborne signal it cannot be physical like a road speed when the speedo depends on the road and tires, not the gps. I understand you may not know about GPS and speedometers, but being 2 mph off is closer than most on any gps.

Tach can only read 500 rpm lower if you have not set it on dead zero after shipping as instructed.

Last edited by O. L. T.; Nov 7, 2013 at 06:36 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 06:57 PM
  #4  
bigwhite's Avatar
bigwhite
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 442
Likes: 1
From: In
Default

At 55 on my speedo. Im doing 62, verified by a 2013 Kia Sorento
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 08:30 PM
  #5  
xshurikx's Avatar
xshurikx
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: NY
Default

Originally Posted by O. L. T.
2mph off? GPS has nothing to do with actual road speed from a speedo standpoint. There is never going to be a speedo read what a GPS will unless you set the speedo to the GPS. The factory cluster settings are completely different thanks to tire and wheel size. GPS is an airborne signal it cannot be physical like a road speed when the speedo depends on the road and tires, not the gps. I understand you may not know about GPS and speedometers, but being 2 mph off is closer than most on any gps.

Tach can only read 500 rpm lower if you have not set it on dead zero after shipping as instructed.
Like bigwhite said i later verified the speeds with a 1995 sc400. at 15-30 i dont care but when i am going 50 and its actually 55 or 60 is actually 67 thats a ticket and points. and btw the gps signal read exactly what the sc400 speed was and mine was off by 5-7 miles
50=57
60=66
70=78.

if you dont see this as a problem i will send you my ticket lol.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 08:32 PM
  #6  
O. L. T.'s Avatar
O. L. T.
Keeper of the light
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 485
From: My little world
Default

Your speedo can be changed by re-weighting the needle, but it is factory weight so there is nothing changed, you are just noticing it. That's why it is not an issue of the speedo itself. It is all factory weight. You are just comparing it to GPS. Stick ANy tiny weight on the rear of the needle if you want to set it to GPS. That is not factory weighting and is your own decision. Your GPS is not calibrated to radar. They set the radar with drift in mind. Nobody's speedo is the same.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 08:54 PM
  #7  
xshurikx's Avatar
xshurikx
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: NY
Default

Originally Posted by O. L. T.
Your speedo can be changed by re-weighting the needle, but it is factory weight so there is nothing changed, you are just noticing it. That's why it is not an issue of the speedo itself. It is all factory weight. You are just comparing it to GPS. Stick ANy tiny weight on the rear of the needle if you want to set it to GPS. That is not factory weighting and is your own decision. Your GPS is not calibrated to radar. They set the radar with drift in mind. Nobody's speedo is the same.
did you read the prior post where i compared it to another car side by side? they had to go 67 to match my 60mph. i cant explain that any better. the speedometer is reading less than the actual speed of the car, if i get clocked by a cop doing 67 when i think i am doing 60 my license can get suspended.

you are still on the gps i am talking about cars side by side. if that doesnt tell you there is a problem then i dont know what better way to explain.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 08:58 PM
  #8  
O. L. T.'s Avatar
O. L. T.
Keeper of the light
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 485
From: My little world
Default

You are not seeing where I said your wheels and tires change by up to 4 mph. There are no two cars the same.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 09:11 PM
  #9  
xshurikx's Avatar
xshurikx
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: NY
Default

how did my wheels and tires change by 4mph? i am sitting on bone stock, as is the other car.

and if you want to bring it back to the gps, i also tested it on a brand new kia optima, driving NY to Ohio and the GPS read the exact speed on the KIA speedo. this tells me the GPS is reading correct.

Look if it was 1 or 2 mph i wouldnt care but 6-8 off is a problem.

there has to be a fix. my understanding is the needle doesnt rise as fast or as far as it has to.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2013 | 10:32 PM
  #10  
O. L. T.'s Avatar
O. L. T.
Keeper of the light
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 485
From: My little world
Default

Quit comparing two different cars. You are missing the point of the wheels and tires between each car. especially since you are talking about a freshly calibrated new kia with better technology in speedometer approximation. I can't do much more to put the idea out there there is no way to compare two cars that each depend on their own wheels and tires. We are not talking huge differences, just little ones of a few MPH.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2013 | 05:47 AM
  #11  
mecheng10's Avatar
mecheng10
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
From: ohio
Default

well, I have that problem from driving with bigger tires.
here is what you do, just remember that your speedo is off! it will be a little weird at first, but you will get use to it. its not that huge of a deal.
but if you are worried about getting a ticket, than drive slower than usual! That's not that hard of a concept. they cant give you a ticket for going under the speed limit (to a certain degree)
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2013 | 07:08 AM
  #12  
xshurikx's Avatar
xshurikx
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: NY
Default

Originally Posted by O. L. T.
Quit comparing two different cars. You are missing the point of the wheels and tires between each car. especially since you are talking about a freshly calibrated new kia with better technology in speedometer approximation. I can't do much more to put the idea out there there is no way to compare two cars that each depend on their own wheels and tires. We are not talking huge differences, just little ones of a few MPH.
a few miles is 1 or 2 not 6 or 8. I am going to find a place to test it and they take everything into account from tires to wheel size to car age and everything. and when i get the results if its off by more than 5 mph you cannot possibly say that its ok to be off by that much. also it was not, NOT off before i sent it, because i did the same tests before i took it out. so dont give me some BS about this is correct and the way its supposed to be. I am one of those people where everything needs to work as advertised, thats what i am paying for not for a half ***'ed job where the speed is off and the lights are off and this is not good and that isnt right.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2013 | 04:56 PM
  #13  
SC4ME's Avatar
SC4ME
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 759
Likes: 1
From: SD/NY
Default

Originally Posted by xshurikx
a few miles is 1 or 2 not 6 or 8. I am going to find a place to test it and they take everything into account from tires to wheel size to car age and everything. and when i get the results if its off by more than 5 mph you cannot possibly say that its ok to be off by that much. also it was not, NOT off before i sent it, because i did the same tests before i took it out. so dont give me some BS about this is correct and the way its supposed to be. I am one of those people where everything needs to work as advertised, thats what i am paying for not for a half ***'ed job where the speed is off and the lights are off and this is not good and that isnt right.
lol, im with you on this one but i see what o.l.t's tryna say. but i dont see the issue, my tach doesnt even work cuz my speed sensor died. im fine following other cars
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2013 | 05:03 PM
  #14  
bigwhite's Avatar
bigwhite
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 442
Likes: 1
From: In
Default

If the speedo. is off does that mean the odometer is off?
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2013 | 05:13 PM
  #15  
bigwhite's Avatar
bigwhite
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 442
Likes: 1
From: In
Default

Out of fairness to Lextech, I think we should post our likes or dislikes of their work on their website reveiws.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:53 PM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE