How to Fix a Caprice Digital Speedometer

If the digital speedometer on your Chevrolet Caprice is beginning to malfunction, you can have one of three problems: either the fuse has blown and you will simply need to replace it, the speedometer wiring connector is loose, in which case you simply reinstall it, or the whole instrument cluster has gone bad and will need to be replaced. Of those three issues, a faulty instrument cluster is the worst, as a replacement cluster is fairly expensive.

Things You'll Need

  • Fuse puller
  • Socket wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver

Replace the Fuse

  • Open the hood of your Caprice. Locate the fuse block at the rear of the engine compartment, on the left side of the firewall. Lift off the fuse block cover on top of the fuse block.

  • Use a fuse puller to pull out the instrument cluster fuse in slot 31.

  • Install a replacement 10A fuse and reattach the cover to the fuse block.

  • Close the hood. If the issue persists, check the speedometer cable.

Speedometer Cable/Instrument Cluster Replacement

  • Open the hood and, with a socket wrench, disconnect the Caprice's battery.

  • Open the driver's side door and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws from the upper dash trim above the instrument cluster. Remove the dash trim.

  • Remove the four screws from the Caprice's instrument cluster and pull it out slightly. Reach behind the cluster and locate the speedometer connector at the center of the rear of the cluster. If it is not plugged in, plug it into the instrument cluster. If the speedometer is still malfunctioning, the issue is with the instrument cluster itself.

  • Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the instrument cluster from the Caprice. Install a replacement cluster and reattach the connector.

  • Reinstall the four screws and the upper dash panel. Reattach the dash panel screws, reconnect the battery, and close the hood.