Oldsmobile/Buick: 1979 cutlass supreme, advanced auto parts, chilton manual


Question
The speedometer quit working. It used to be 5 mph slower, then 10,then 20mph slower than the speed limit.  Now the needle doesnt move. I see there are two cables. I took it off at the cruise control unit and spun the cable and the needle moved. I took the 2nd cable loose at the tranny and turned that and it turned the other cable on top. The cables seem to be fine but i am not sure. Any suggestions on what could possibly be the problem?  Thank you.

Answer
Danen ,

Without me physically taking a look at the vehicle you can understand why this can be a touchy subject for me . Your right there are a ton of factors as to why the speedometer may be malfunctioning . If the wires/relays are all intact then I have no idea .

Speedometers are relatively inexpensive and I've found that doing it yourself (which you've basically done the grunt work) can save a ton of money . Below I've listed a link to a speedometer specialist shop in California . Trying sending them your question , they may just recommend a new speedometer assembly (not the cluster) .

http://www.speedometershop.com/ratio.html



Danen I'm not 100% about this but I think either the Hayne's or Chilton Manual may have some type of information on how to track down all the parts leading up to the Speedometer .Here is the link to amazon.com . Also just about any automotive shop , Trak Auto, Advanced Auto Parts etc. has these manuals readily available .

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-8431541-5762359

Danen if you have any more questions or just want to post a followup please feel free to ask . I wish you all the best , don't forget to rate my response to you .

Cheers,

Ed McKenna