Speedometer bouncing
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Speedometer bouncing
The speedometer on my girls 79 F150 bounces around after about 65 mph making it hard to tell fast she going or what the cruise will be set at. Any ideas? It a 79 supercab with 400/C6 2wd ranger xlt
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia, Canada
I've had the same problem. maybe not the same fix though. I took the instrument cluster out of the truck, spray penetrating fluid (WD-40, Liquid Wrench) down the speedo cable and drive for a bit. This fixed mine. Try it a couple times and if it doesn't help then the cable might be stretched or something, requiring a new one. Hopefully this helps
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
As suggested above, try lubricating the speedometer cable. You might save it. You probably notice the unwanted "bouncing" when the weather is cold. It was common years ago to purchase special lub in a small tube.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 796
Likes: 1
I took my cluster out once to replace some bulbs and clean it up a little. When I put it back the speedo didn't quite work right. It would go up and fall, up and fall. I apparently didn't have the cable seated right.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 2
I'd suspect the cable needs greasing as well. Beyond that, the cable could be damaged, or the drive or driven speedo gear could be on its way out.
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Mine does that intermittently. It'll go away for no apparent reason and then come back again. I just look at where the middle of the "bounce" is and figure that's my speed. 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Medicine Hat Alberta
With the cruise option, there are two seperate cables tied together at the speed sensor on or by the drivers inner fender. You can access both from there and use lithium grease to shoot down inside the cable... saves taking the dash apart or pulling the driven gear off the tranny. You may end up having to replace, but may work.... Not sure were you live, but the cable will give a lot better if you're in warmer climate...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
I wondered about that. I had noticed the speed control sensor and that it was 2 piece cable, but the auto parts websites are ony showing one length for her truck. Now I just need a chance to check it out, a high school girl in love with her old Ford are hard to seperate.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Take the cable apart and clean and grease it thats what i do. The connector towards the speedometer pulls right off and the cable comes out clean the tube with brake clean and use a Ford approved moly fortified grease.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
88_F0RD
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Dec 4, 2016 12:45 PM
smokeywagon
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Sep 4, 2014 09:20 PM
Hughesjr84
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Feb 7, 2014 08:13 PM
cowboyty
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Aug 30, 2006 03:46 PM
