Speedometer is not working
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
HI Everyone- I finally got to the cable and attached it. I started out driving and the speedometer registered just fine. Unfortunately about 1 mile into it, it stuck at approx. 35 MPH (although I was only going 20). When I got back home, I checked the cabling at the transmission, the cable end was broken and frayed. Any idea what is happening and why the cable is breaking. It appears everything else is connected correctly and working.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
Was this a new cable or used? The cable attaches to the top of the transmission, correct? The trans cover then goes over the top, which covers and might slightly compress the cable. The trans cover might be pressing down on the cable too much or something could be wrong with the gear inside the transmission.
You can have an adapter made that will eliminate the bend in the cable. I thought about having the adapter made for my Panel at the local speedometer shop, but the cost was like $150.
You can have an adapter made that will eliminate the bend in the cable. I thought about having the adapter made for my Panel at the local speedometer shop, but the cost was like $150.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Hi Panel Man
It was a new cable and attaches at the top of the tranny. I pulled out the speedo gear and cleaned it so I think it should be in good shape. What do you mean by the "bed in the cable"?
It was a new cable and attaches at the top of the tranny. I pulled out the speedo gear and cleaned it so I think it should be in good shape. What do you mean by the "bed in the cable"?
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
Check the clearance of the speedo cable against the transmission floor cover. Maybe the cable is getting bent too much or pulled too tight.
If you still can't get the issue resolved, then I suggest finding a speedometer shop that will make a 90* angle gear adapter to plug the speedo cable into.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Denver CO
Thanks for the clarification. I did clean the speedo gear but you may be right. It might have been bent. Also, I didn't lubricate the cable before I installed it. Not sure if that is important. I will get another cable, lub it and make sure it doesn't get bent and see if that solves the problem.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 19
From: scotia. NY 12302
if you get a new cable you have the opportunity to try it with the speedo and a twist on the tranny end before you hook it up (to be safe try a drill on it?). my situation was diff (i have the HD 3speed), it has a metal trans gear, the hole in the gear was rounded out and the the cable would untwist or just spin in the top of the driven gear. when i replaced the gear all was well. good luck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
The new cable needs to be lubed. That could have been your problem. Try spraying some white lithium grease inside. I didn't have any at the time when I replaced mine, so I just poured a little bit of oil inside and let it drain through the bottom.
New User
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Denver CO
OK, I just installed the new cable and it broke again. I noticed that once I started driving, the speedometer began to register a speed (although it was much higher than my actual speed). After about a minute it stop working. Once I got back to the garage, the cable near the transmission was cut in half. I even lubed the cable this time. Any other suggestions on what might be happening?
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