I had my 145 speedo in for recalibration because it was jumping badly. After getting it back and before reinstall, I cleaned the cable and housing, then relubed. The needle still jumps two or three miles an hour. Relube? Advice?

JamesC

 

James,

I'm going to say new cable. I had the same problem; I had mine lubed (twice), and it worked for a few hours afterward each time, so the only thing left was the gauge and the cable. The cable was the cheaper option, and it worked like a champ

- 89_IROC

 

many times the cable will get a small burr on it and it as it spins will catch and slow down, then when it releases it speed up... causing the needle jump... pretty common on older cars, it is a good thing they have gone to all electonic speedos in newer cars.

Your best option is to replace.

John

 

I don't mean to hijack your thread but I have a question along the same lines. My speedo has a new cable, but everytime I hit about 80 or 85 the needle starts jumping up and down in like 10mph increments. It doesn't do this at any other speed. Any ideas why?

 

I'm no expert by any stretch...but what about a bad speedo head? How about a stretched cable? Maybe bad speedo gear at the tranny? Something interfering with the printed circuit on the back of the gauge cluster? These are all I can think of.

- 89_IROC

 

Cable is new and so are the gears in the tranny. I guess it could be the speedo head...but would it only happen at one speed?
If so maybe it's time for me to upgrade to the 145 unit.

 

My 145 was relatively steady until I reached 65 or 70, then the jumping (65 to 80) was so severe that I could scarely set the cruise control at 74.

I purchased a new cable. I'll try it this weekend.

JamesC

 

What's involved with having it recalibrated? Is it something I could do or dealer only?

 

My dealership sent it in. The cost was $80 or so. The odometer was fixed as well (after I'd just completed a tech article on how to repair them).

JamesC

 

Why not take the opportunity to upgrade to an electric speed sensor?

 

Replace entire cable to include housing or simply replace the cable itself?

JamesC

 

If it was me I would do the whole shot, cable and housing, but chances are the cable is what has the burr...

Granted changing the outer housing is a bit more of a chore.

John

 

Long story short: I'm a Dumb Butt (It's especially awful because my own stupidity amuses me). The speedo was fluctuating because I hadn't pushed the cable/housing far enough onto the speedo head for the clip to catch correctly.

JamesC

 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

I've done that so many times that I think I have D.A.D. (dumb *** disease). Don't sweat it, man

- 89_IROC