Speedometer Problem
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 137
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Speedometer Problem
Hello all. I have a quickie question about the speedometer. When I first take off, whether the engine is hot or cold, the speedometer doesnt move until I hit approximately 25 mph. Then it works just fine. I have tested it on the freeway and it is perfectly accurate. The problem is ONLY when I first go to drive it, sometimes it doesnt start to work until I get around 30 mph. After that though, it works perfect even at lower speeds such as 10 or 15 mph. I am sure most people would say deal with it but I am curious what I should look at first, cable or the actual speedo gears? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. My truck is a 1979 F-250 XLT 4x4, 400 c.i., 4 speed manual. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 173
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From: British Columbia, Canada
I would lube the cable. I had a car that the speedo would jump violently till about 30mph. I took the dash cluster out and sprayed lube down the cable, drove a bit, a little more lube and then put the cluster back in (don't forget to hook the speedo back in) and within a few drives it was normal.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 137
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What did you use for lube? I had a prelude that had a "bouncing" speedo and the stuff everyone recommended I couldn't find. The only lube I have found at Autozone is made for brake cables, just not sure what to use for speedo cables.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Inside the speedo cable's housing is a woven steel core. A replacement core kit can be bought from autoparts stores.
To lube the woven steel core, use a thin coating of White Lithium Grease.
To lube the woven steel core, use a thin coating of White Lithium Grease.
