Today I was driving down a steep hill when suddenly I seen the speedometer needle bounce from top to bottom a bunch of times continuously until it finally remained at the bottom of the guage and stopped.

Thinking it was a broken cabel, I went to the mechanic and they said I have an electric speedometer rather than cable driven.

They said it could be 1 or 2 components; The Speedo Sensor, and/or the Speedo Dampner.

They called around and NO ONE local even sells these. Only 1 place the US has it and it's over a week to deliver.

They estimate the diagnoses to see exactly what is wrong will be 1 day left at the shop. Then a few hours to install.

Does this sound right? Sounds like some MAJOR $$$ with labor, and parts.

 

Your speedo sensor as they call it is the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) that is located in the transmission. It has two wires going to it that are purple and yellow in color. You could also have a broken wire going from the ECM to the speedometer, it is gray in color and comes off pin "B11" of the ECM. BTW, there is no speedo dampener on your car. Also, did you get a code 24 on the SES light?

 

Thank you for the response,

I should find out tomorrow when I take the car into the shop to have them diagnose it.

Are you positive that I do not have a Speedo Dampener? What is that? They called GM while I was there beside them and asked if there was a speed dampener and they confirmed yes.

Thanks

 

On the 305 TBI only, there is a VSS Buffer box that they would call the speedo dampener in Canada. Your car being a 350 TPI would not have it. The VSS buffer would be mounted under the dash on the right hand side next to the ECM.

 

Very good information! Thanks!

Is this a really hard, long (labor intensive) job like they claim? Day to diagnose, Hours to install?

Do they have to pull the dash apart? (2 day job according to them)

 

Hello Dude,

You have a special delivery package in your e-mail.

 

Hell NO!! Don't take it in!!!

Takes all of about 10 minutes to remove the entire cluster! If the "special package" is what I think it is......you'll save yourself more money than the part itself it.

Do it yourself. You'll be glad. The cluster just pops out. easy...