1996 SeaDoo XP GPS Speedometer aftermarket digital gauge replacement, swap, or upgrade for a non working speedometer or to correct inaccurate speed. From the factory, a stock 1996 SeaDoo XP top speed is between 54-57 mph, according the factory Dream-O-Meter. However, these numbers were often inflated. For example, one could easily manipulate their top speed readings by simply turning while at full speed.
This is because older Sea-Doo watercraft used a speed sensor with a paddle wheel assembly to track speed. Not only were these highly inaccurate, Seadoo XP speedometer wheels are also prone to failure (break or wear out and bind up). They are also no longer produced and are often hard to find, making these parts expensive to replace.
SeaDoo XP Speedometer not working?
If your original SeaDoo XP Speedometer is not working, rather than replace it with another expensive and inaccurate factory unit, a digital Sea Doo GPS speedometer swap or upgrade may be the better choice.
To resolve the issues mentioned above, I have been replacing the factory dial style speedometer gauge with an aftermarket waterproof digital 52mm or 2 inch GPS speedometer. So far the results have been great. In addition to getting a more accurate speed reading, the unit I have been using also keeps track of miles. This can be helpful for logging maintenance intervals. Ok, perhaps not quite as efficient as hour logging, as routine maintenance is usually tracked by hours on a Boat, PWC or Jet Ski... but we will leave that discussion for another segment.
SeaDoo XP GPS Speedometer Upgrade
There are some expensive factory looking dial type GPS speedometer gauges available. Though the digital 52 mm or two inch GPS Speedo I have had great luck with and have been using for a while now, is made by Eling. It comes with a warranty and is readily available on Amazon. It ships directly from an Amazon warehouse. And for those with Amazon Prime, typically arrives within a few days, which is another plus.
Where to buy a 2 inch Digital GPS Speedometer
You can get a 52 mm 2 inch Digital GPS Speedometer for your Sea-Doo XP, SP, SPX or any model that uses a 2" gauge opening, directly from the Amazon retailer below;
Buy an ELING 2" Digital GPS Speedometer with Backlight
Installation as outlined below is relatively simple once the old gauge is removed. For the 96 Sea Doo XP GPS Speedometer gauge replacement or upgrade, I simply spliced into the + purple and - black wires coming from the original speedometer harness. Purple (to red/orange) and black (to blue). The new unit fits perfectly into the original hole, and the provided back mounting bracket installs easily. For the sensor, I use double sided tape and attach to the inside of the hood where the wiring is located. Then simply put the cover back on.
~ Lance
Using a GPS Speedo on a Sea-Doo with the X4 Hull
The following method assumes you have already removed your old gauge. As previously mentioned, this swap should work for any Sea-Doo with the X4 Hull. This includes the XP SP, SPX, or any other model where the hood uses 2 inch (52 mm) gauges. However, you will need to confirm that the factory gauge power wiring uses the same colors, as this does change slightly throughout the models and years.
Wiring the Speedometer Gauge and Speed Sensor
I highly recommend using Marine Solder Seal Wire Connectors to prevent water intrusion and corrosion.
- First, connect the Black (ground) wire from the factory Sea-Doo harness to the Blue (ground) wire of the gauge.
- Next, connect the Purple (hot) wire from the factory harness to the Red (hot) and Orange (backlight + activate) wires of the gauge.
- Finally, mount the GPS Sensor to the underside of the hood using double sided sticky tape.
Installing the Digital Gauge into the Factory XP Hood
- Install the new digital SeaDoo XP GPS Speedometer in place of the old gauge.
- Then simply press the start button on your handle bar or insert your key to ensure it lights up and works.
Shown above is the final result with the key on and new gauge powered up.
Note: The first time the unit is powered up it will begin to locate and store all of the satellites it finds. So that the next time the gps speedometer gauge is powered on it should be ready to use as some satellites have will already been stored for use on subsequent reboots.
I think the results speak for themselves. After initially finding and storing satellites, and within seconds of being powered up, the digital speedometer provides an accurate speed reading. No more Dream O Meter.
I also fully restored the trailer for this ski rides on. If interested, feel free to check out how I went about replacing boat trailer bunks and carpet.
FAQ: 1996 SeaDoo XP Speedometer Upgrade
- What is the top speed of a 1996 SeaDoo XP?
- A 1996 SeaDoo XP top speed from the factory is between 54-57 mph, according to the Dream-O-Meter. However, these numbers are often inflated, and actual speeds may be lower. The Dream-O-Meter readings could be manipulated by turning while at full speed, affecting the accuracy of the speed displayed.
- Why replace my SeaDoo XP’s factory speedometer with a digital GPS speedometer?
- The original paddle wheel speedometers in older Sea-Doo models are notoriously inaccurate and prone to failure. Replacing it with a GPS speedometer offers more precise speed readings and eliminates issues caused by worn out or broken speed sensor wheels..
- What is the size of the GPS speedometer that fits my 1996 SeaDoo XP?
- The replacement GPS speedometer for the 1996 SeaDoo XP fits a 52mm (2-inch) gauge opening, which is standard for many Sea-Doo models from this era.
- Why is my SeaDoo XP speedometer not working?
- If you suddenly find your SeaDoo XP speedometer not working, the issue could be with the paddle wheel speed sensor, the wiring, or the speedometer unit itself. The paddle wheel assembly may have become damaged, worn out, or clogged, causing inaccurate or no speed readings. Electrical issues or a faulty speedometer unit could also be to blame.
- Can I replace the SeaDoo XP speedometer with a GPS speedometer?
- Yes! Replacing the factory paddle wheel speedometer with a digital GPS speedometer is an excellent option to fix a non-working or inaccurate speedometer. GPS speedometers provide more accurate readings and are not prone to the same issues as paddle wheel sensors. A digital GPS speedometer upgrade is a common solution for SeaDoo XP models with non-working speedometers.
- How do I install a GPS speedometer on a SeaDoo XP?
- To install a GPS speedometer, you will need to remove the old speedometer and wire in the new GPS unit. Connect the ground wire (usually black) and the hot wire (usually purple) from the factory harness to the GPS speedometer's corresponding wires. After wiring, mount the GPS sensor under the hood using double-sided tape, and then install the new digital speedometer in place of the old one.
- Where can I purchase a GPS speedometer for my SeaDoo XP?
- You can purchase a 52mm Digital GPS Speedometer such as the Eling 2" Digital GPS Speedometer with backlight from Amazon. The product is readily available with quick shipping options for Prime members.
- Will a GPS speedometer provide accurate speed readings?
- Yes, once the GPS speedometer has located and stored satellites, it provides highly accurate speed readings, eliminating the inaccuracies of the factory speedometer. The digital GPS speedometer updates quickly and delivers real time data.
- What maintenance should I do after upgrading to a GPS speedometer?
- Unlike a factory SeaDoo XP speedometer, once the GPS speedometer is installed, regular maintenance is minimal. I recommend to monitor the sensor’s mounting for the first few rides to ensure it is staying securely attached, especially if you're operating in rough conditions. You'll also want to be sure during installation to use Marine grade water tight solder seal wire connectors to prevent water intrusion and potential corrosion.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to a GPS speedometer for your 1996 SeaDoo XP is a smart and very cost effective way to replace the unreliable factory unit. With improved accuracy, greater reliability, and an easy installation process, this upgrade enhances your riding experience while providing precise speed readings every time you hit the water. As these machines age and the original SeaDoo XP speedometers fail and become hard to find, a GPS upgrade becomes the more practical solution.
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