I've removed my instrument cluster to replace bulbs and repair the clock (thanks for the tips on replacing the capacitors). When I pulled the cluster out, I noticed that the speedo cable appeared to have no physical connection to the back of the speedo head. There's a flanged housing with the square cable end sticking out coming from the vicinity of the firewall, and what appears to be a busted, black fitting on the back of the speedo itself. But there doesn't seem to be any 'snap', 'screw' or 'click' connector to hold one to the other. How do I reinstall the cluster? Just take aim, shove and hope for the best?

As close as I can recall - the '84 had a speedo cable - or is it the electronic speedo like my 86 and 87 have???

the electronic wire clip breaks first time off - then after that it is a friction fit - I have nothad it fall off on my 87 245 yet.....

If it is the old style spinning cable there should have been a cam-locking collar on the speedo cable that grips the flange at the back of the intrument cluster.



Good luck

GH

It is the older rotating cable and there is a big black plastic cam-lock looking gizmo stuck on the back of the speedo. Unfortunately, the back of the cam-lock gizmo appears to be broken off and the flanged cable housing is just hanging in the wind in the dash. I guess I need to find a picture of the connection, both on and off, so I know what I'm dealing with.

The locking collar on mine is broken as well. The speedo cable is so stiff that when the cluster is in place the cable will stay engaged without the lock. I install the cluster then reach up from under the dash and connect the cable to the speedometer. I've never had one fall out.




--
don '89 740ti, '81 242t,

I agree with this. I have an '82 and I basically just pressed the cable end into the back of the cluster, and it has stayed in place.
--
-Cool Volvo- 1982 240 4 Spd OD w/ 227K, 1989 240 5 Spd w/ 214K. Used to own 1966 122, 1968 144, 1970 145, 1972 144, 1980 245

When I replaced the instrument cluster-my speedo was broke and I was lucky to find a replacement cluster-the speedo had just about the same mileage. And I agree with the rest of the postings. I moved the instrument panel forward-it seemed the best thing to do, and viewed everything from below and from the side. Fit everything in-there are 2 other connections on the back of the speedo, get them in, they align ok. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the wires & how things go together. You will find that the speedo cable will fit in the instrument socket and the cable tension will keep the speedo working. I've had it like this for 3 years.

1983-160K in Vernon Green

Pretty much. There WAS a firmer connection. It was designed to break the first time it was removed, as proof the odometer was tampered with.
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'73 142, '75 242, '75 245, '80 245, '86 244, '87 745T

Ah well, at least I got the clock working and the bulbs replaced. I guess two outta three ain't bad. Hmm, sounds like a song.