Erratic speedometer operation
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Joined: May 2000
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From: OK
Erratic speedometer operation
I hope this is the right forem for this- not sure where else to ask...
Some time ago (~4 years ago) I started noticing my speedometer would 'twitch' whenever I'm driving. That is, the needle will hover around a given speed and not hold steady like it used to. At the time I thought my speedometer cable was getting ready to go out, but when I pulled it out it looked just fine. I relubed it and put it back in and it didn't help matters. However at the time the problem was intermittent...
Lately I've noticed that it's doing it all the time now. Since I know the cable's ok I figure it's either the speedo itself is going out, or the cable drive gear in the transmission is worn. Which is it more likely to be? Is it common for either part to go out? Anyone have any ideas on this?
Thanks in advance!
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Original owner - '84 T/A w/stock 305HO 5-speed
Some time ago (~4 years ago) I started noticing my speedometer would 'twitch' whenever I'm driving. That is, the needle will hover around a given speed and not hold steady like it used to. At the time I thought my speedometer cable was getting ready to go out, but when I pulled it out it looked just fine. I relubed it and put it back in and it didn't help matters. However at the time the problem was intermittent...
Lately I've noticed that it's doing it all the time now. Since I know the cable's ok I figure it's either the speedo itself is going out, or the cable drive gear in the transmission is worn. Which is it more likely to be? Is it common for either part to go out? Anyone have any ideas on this?
Thanks in advance!
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Original owner - '84 T/A w/stock 305HO 5-speed
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 18,457
Likes: 16
From: Loveland, OH, US
Car: 4
Engine: 6
Transmission: 5
It's the cruise control regulator...
Take out the 2 cables out of it and turn the thing the drive cable plugs into, you'll see what the problem is.
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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
Take out the 2 cables out of it and turn the thing the drive cable plugs into, you'll see what the problem is.
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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
That is happening to me to. Generally it is 10 mph slow, but recently in the cold right as i start driving it, it bounces from 80-85 when i'm going slow. WTF!!!!
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--Steve S-- 84 Trans Am 305 HO 5 speed, completely stock will soup up when i get some $$$$$$$$$$
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--Steve S-- 84 Trans Am 305 HO 5 speed, completely stock will soup up when i get some $$$$$$$$$$
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 326
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From: OK
Originally posted by RB83L69:
It's the cruise control regulator...
Take out the 2 cables out of it and turn the thing the drive cable plugs into, you'll see what the problem is.
It's the cruise control regulator...
Take out the 2 cables out of it and turn the thing the drive cable plugs into, you'll see what the problem is.
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,416
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From: Johnstown, Ohio
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: 355 (fastburn heads, LT4 HOT cam)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt, 3.27
What did you use to lube the cable? If you used a plain grease, that could be your problem. I think you're supposed to use a graphite lubricant. You may also want to check the cable housing to make sure it isn't damaged, kinked, etc.... I have to go through all this crap myself, but I've just been too busy (lazy) to do it!
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Working on:
'84 Z28 LG4 305
Added dual elec fans.
145 MPH IROC Speedo
Building 430 HP 350
using primarily GMPP parts.
Block is in shop!
Awaiting results from all 8 ASE tests.
Starting to look like the Kicker poster child!
------------------
Working on:
'84 Z28 LG4 305
Added dual elec fans.
145 MPH IROC Speedo
Building 430 HP 350
using primarily GMPP parts.
Block is in shop!
Awaiting results from all 8 ASE tests.
Starting to look like the Kicker poster child!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 326
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From: OK
Originally posted by JP84Z430HP:
What did you use to lube the cable? If you used a plain grease, that could be your problem. I think you're supposed to use a graphite lubricant. You may also want to check the cable housing to make sure it isn't damaged, kinked, etc.... I have to go through all this crap myself, but I've just been too busy (lazy) to do it!
What did you use to lube the cable? If you used a plain grease, that could be your problem. I think you're supposed to use a graphite lubricant. You may also want to check the cable housing to make sure it isn't damaged, kinked, etc.... I have to go through all this crap myself, but I've just been too busy (lazy) to do it!
Yea back 4 years ago when I had pulled the cable I did use grease- found out afterwards that was a no-no. However the problem was happening even before I removed the cable. I'll probably pull the whole housing, get the grease out of it and inspect it to make sure there's not a worn spot inside that's making the cable catch. I'll also get the tranny speedo gear out too while I'm at it to make sure the teeth are ok....
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