Speedometer Wag
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Speedometer Wag
Hey guys, I'm pretty sure I know what the solution is to this problem is, but I figured I'd run it by you guys anyway. Ever since I got my 94 Ranger from my dad 4 years ago, the speedometer wags when I pass 50 to 55 mph. Well, it's actually more like bounces. I went hunting for the problem a while back and found the cable was not tight on the back of the instrument cluster. Granted, as soon as I hit a bump on the freeway, it started bouncing again. I'm thinking I need to change the instrument cluster itself because the cable is not staying tight on the back of it. What do you guys think?
Oriteon
Oriteon
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From: Connecticut
Speedometer Wag
You have to be confident that the new instrument cluster is going to attach to the cable better than the old one. If the problem lies in the cable/connector, you'll still have to figure out a way to connect it securely. Why do you think it shakes loose like that?
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Speedometer Wag
Well, I figured that the threads on the back of the cluster that the cable hooks screws into were made of plastic or whatever the cluster is made from. Being a 94 vehicle, it's almost 10 years old, and much like quite a few other things on my truck, it's worn out. Am I wrong on this conclusion, or should I dig deeper?
Oriteon
Oriteon
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From: Connecticut
Speedometer Wag
It's probably one of those "on the spot" type of things, where you have to have it apart to know whether or not a new cluster would make a difference...it would be nice if you could somehow try out another cluster just to see if it works better (junkyard perhaps?), but I realize it doesn't always work that way with parts.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: WI
Speedometer Wag
I have the same problem with my 94 . I changed out the cluster with a bone yard cluster and the spedo still wags. I also changed out the speed sensor in the differential also no help. I'm thinking maybe it is a cable bind. Big Wood
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From: Central Kali
Speedometer Wag
My vote is the cable. I think I have seen a bad speedometer head once in 30 years. 
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Speedometer Wag
So you guys think it's the cable huh? Is that one of those items that can be found in decent condition in the junkyard? I figured it's a fairly easy swap too, hardest part would be routing it through the engine compartment. 
Oriteon
Oriteon
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Speedometer Wag
Mine went through a phase a couple of years ago like that and it was intermittent. I never looked into it and believe it or not it eventually quit doing it. I was thinking at the time about the cable and was going to try to lubricate it but then it cleared up on its own. I still don't know what caused it.