QuestionMy girlfriends speedometer has started acting up some days it works others it doesn't. I figured it could be due to the cold weather maybe possibly some told me to replace the cable..is this a somewhat easy task or no? I have called a few garages they all gave me the same story bring it in, it could be numerous things, it might not have a cable yada yada yada. Any suggestions?
AnswerHi Jaxon,
It could be numerous things...
Assuming this is not digital, it still may or may not have a cable. Probably it does.
The cable starts at the transmission. A gear inside there turns the cable, and can be wearing out. Easy to fix.
The cable can be wearing out. If this was happening, you would likely see the needle jump or float from time to time.
Could be the magnetic internals of the speedometer. If that is starting to wear out, you need a new speedometer.
Changing the cable can be a pain in the ---. The problem is behind the instrument cluster. You have to take that out, but it will fight you because of the speedometer cable. You push the end into its location there and it doesn't come out. You have to release the clip just right, and fight the cable to come out. It doesn't want to come out, even when released. You will probably get a few scrapes and a cut on your hands. Once out of there, you then have to push the cable into the engine area. It has a rubber seal, you will have to undo. You can't probably see it, from either side of the firewall. Once out of there, you unscrew the other end from the transmission. May not be able to see it, or get to it easily. Once out, do the reverse to replace it. Not a big job, but definately a tough one.
You may have a speedometer that is operated by a signal from a speed sensor. The faster you go, the more current supplied and the needle sits accordingly. If that is your type, you can have a faulty output device at the speedometer. I wouldn't accuse the speed sensor, since the car is not acting up.
Hope this helps.
C J S
