Speedometer Malfunction/erratic behavoir
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
Speedometer Malfunction/erratic behavoir
Hey guys, looking for suggestions on what could be the problem here (and if it will be an easy fix, as I'm at my parents for Thanksgiving, not home with my tools).
The speedometer had been working fine, when suddenly today it stopped working. I have a 4 speed toploader trans, and in all gears the speedo reads at 0mph, occassionally spiking up then falling back down. The weirdest part is that when I let up off the gas and coast, the speedo starts reading what are (seemingly) normal speeds, but drops back down to 0 when I hit the gas.
As I understand, there are only 3 parts to wonder about: the gauge itself, the cable, and gear that meshes in the trans case. Missing anything?
From my forum searching, people keep saying to grease the head/inner cable? Do I have to remove the entire inner cable to do so? Also, if it was binding, why would it so suddenly stop working, and not gradually? Thanks for the advice on where to start and how to check out which part is the problem. I'd like to get it fixed by Saturday when I have to drive back through cop-crazy Virgina.
The speedometer had been working fine, when suddenly today it stopped working. I have a 4 speed toploader trans, and in all gears the speedo reads at 0mph, occassionally spiking up then falling back down. The weirdest part is that when I let up off the gas and coast, the speedo starts reading what are (seemingly) normal speeds, but drops back down to 0 when I hit the gas.
As I understand, there are only 3 parts to wonder about: the gauge itself, the cable, and gear that meshes in the trans case. Missing anything?
From my forum searching, people keep saying to grease the head/inner cable? Do I have to remove the entire inner cable to do so? Also, if it was binding, why would it so suddenly stop working, and not gradually? Thanks for the advice on where to start and how to check out which part is the problem. I'd like to get it fixed by Saturday when I have to drive back through cop-crazy Virgina.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Hey guys, looking for suggestions on what could be the problem here (and if it will be an easy fix, as I'm at my parents for Thanksgiving, not home with my tools).
The speedometer had been working fine, when suddenly today it stopped working. I have a 4 speed toploader trans, and in all gears the speedo reads at 0mph, occassionally spiking up then falling back down. The weirdest part is that when I let up off the gas and coast, the speedo starts reading what are (seemingly) normal speeds, but drops back down to 0 when I hit the gas.
As I understand, there are only 3 parts to wonder about: the gauge itself, the cable, and gear that meshes in the trans case. Missing anything?
From my forum searching, people keep saying to grease the head/inner cable? Do I have to remove the entire inner cable to do so? Also, if it was binding, why would it so suddenly stop working, and not gradually? Thanks for the advice on where to start and how to check out which part is the problem. I'd like to get it fixed by Saturday when I have to drive back through cop-crazy Virgina.
The speedometer had been working fine, when suddenly today it stopped working. I have a 4 speed toploader trans, and in all gears the speedo reads at 0mph, occassionally spiking up then falling back down. The weirdest part is that when I let up off the gas and coast, the speedo starts reading what are (seemingly) normal speeds, but drops back down to 0 when I hit the gas.
As I understand, there are only 3 parts to wonder about: the gauge itself, the cable, and gear that meshes in the trans case. Missing anything?
From my forum searching, people keep saying to grease the head/inner cable? Do I have to remove the entire inner cable to do so? Also, if it was binding, why would it so suddenly stop working, and not gradually? Thanks for the advice on where to start and how to check out which part is the problem. I'd like to get it fixed by Saturday when I have to drive back through cop-crazy Virgina.
If that checks out - Yes, either lube it or replace it.
To lubricate, yes removing it will make for a more thorough maintenance action.
It's grabbing., binds, then pops loose. That's prolly why is is intermittent.
You could unplug it from the trans and then hook it up to a drill. Have someone energize the drill while ya observe the speedo.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
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Just have to pop off the speedo at the trans... usually a 7/16-1/2" bolt I believe.
Look at the gear and the end part of the cable and make sure they mesh well. Also the condition of the teeth.
And like said above, removing the gear and chucking the end in a drill and having someone watch the speedo can tell you a lot.
Josh
Look at the gear and the end part of the cable and make sure they mesh well. Also the condition of the teeth.
And like said above, removing the gear and chucking the end in a drill and having someone watch the speedo can tell you a lot.
Josh
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 551
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From: New Braunfels, TX
Hey was just reading through and wanted to chime in, thank you are the info (both responders) this is why FTE is such and awesome sight. This is one of those issue that is more minor for me so I wouldn't have bothered with it, but now that I have a head of where to go I'll take a look anyway. Sry to bumb off your thread.
Boomer
Boomer
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,150
Likes: 5,785
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
X 2 on the pull it from the trans and ck the gear teeth/drill test, getting it out of the back of the cluster can lead to a broken clip very easily if you are not patiant.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
So I finally got a chance to look things over and this is what I saw:
1. Unbolted the speedo from the trans and looked at the gear- looked fine, not too worn down. Also about 3oz. of oil poured out- is that a problem? Do I need to top off the transmission or is it still fine to drive?
2. Pulled the speedo head from the gauge cluster and pulled on the core with needle nose pliers. Without much trouble the entire core pulled out of the hole, and was about 6.5 feet long, with gear oil on the end. Does this mean the core has snapped somewhere down by the transmission or did I pull it out of the center of the gear? I'm a bit nervous to drive on it if there is a chance it could push gear oil out into the outer casing...or am I just crazy?
also...what do I ask for at a parts store? Speedo inner cable kit?
1. Unbolted the speedo from the trans and looked at the gear- looked fine, not too worn down. Also about 3oz. of oil poured out- is that a problem? Do I need to top off the transmission or is it still fine to drive?
2. Pulled the speedo head from the gauge cluster and pulled on the core with needle nose pliers. Without much trouble the entire core pulled out of the hole, and was about 6.5 feet long, with gear oil on the end. Does this mean the core has snapped somewhere down by the transmission or did I pull it out of the center of the gear? I'm a bit nervous to drive on it if there is a chance it could push gear oil out into the outer casing...or am I just crazy?
also...what do I ask for at a parts store? Speedo inner cable kit?
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Barnesville, Ga
You pulled it out of the gear, double check by looking at the end that came out, if it's square its ok. At 6.5 feet I'd say it's ok, then if it's not it will look broke off there'll be a tweeked end, like it was snapped off. You'll need to pull the gear to pop the cable end back in. Easier to thread down casing from speedo. If the end is all oily similar grade to trans lube then you're pushing lube into casing from trans there should be a little "o" ring from the gear shaft that fits up into casing. it's either hard, broken, missing, or shrank. Replacement part for cable inner part is called a "speedometer cable". Not sure if you can get the o-ring from the parts store, sometimes they have an o-ring assortment pack that may have a similar size o-ring, also look at A/C o-ring assortment kit for similar size part.
Last edited by 77 pickup; Dec 10, 2011 at 01:48 PM. Reason: typo
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
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So I probably pulled it out of the gear...damn.
Also, it is isn't broken and the gear looks fine...I have no idea why it stopped working in the first place.
I hear these core/shaft assemblies should be graphite lubed...but as there is some trans oil in there...won't that bind up any graphite lubricant now? I guess I should look at buying a new speedo cable assembly (~$24).
My main question now is can I drive on it if I'm down a few ounces of oil and the cable end is not seated into the gear well?
Thanks for the help.
Also, it is isn't broken and the gear looks fine...I have no idea why it stopped working in the first place.
I hear these core/shaft assemblies should be graphite lubed...but as there is some trans oil in there...won't that bind up any graphite lubricant now? I guess I should look at buying a new speedo cable assembly (~$24).
My main question now is can I drive on it if I'm down a few ounces of oil and the cable end is not seated into the gear well?
Thanks for the help.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Barnesville, Ga
You can drive it, as long as it shifts fine. Don't know if it's a stick or auto. It's ok if the cable came out of the gear - it's supposed to be able to come out to change gear or cable. You can clean it with carb cleaner and shoot some up the housing till it comes out clean, clean it from the gear side where the oil shows up. If you have access to an air compressor you can blow it out from the speedo side until dry. If not take cotton swaps and swab it out carefully swirlling it as to not leave cotton in the housing.
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