I have a 1992 RS ragtop, I recently bought from a friend, the car was very well maintained, and runs so sweet. I recently took the car on a 1,000 mile round trip, on the highway, the speedometer quit, it jumped every so often, and did work fine when I got to my destination, and only drove locally at speeds under 45mph the speedometer worked fine, it seems when I drive for an extended time period it just quits. I've been told it might be the gear at the tranny where the cable screws in, can someone please give me some advice. The Camaro has 95,000 miles on it.

 

The problem is electrical in nature. If it was mechanical (a gear stripping out inside the tranny) it would quit and never work again.

There are 3 main components to the system. The VSS (vehicle speed sensor) in the tailshaft of the tranny, the ECM itself under the dash, and the gague cluster containing the speedo. It's one of those 3 things.

Order of replacement if you're just going to throw parts at it (from cheapest to most expensive):

1. VSS
2. ECM
3. Gague cluster

A cheap fix to try before you start replacing things is simply to re-seat the gague cluster. Sometimes the connection between the cluster and the cluster housing just gets a little flaky. It's a self-seating connector with a bunch of contacts on it that automatically connects when you shove the gague cluster in place (attaching all the gagues to the wiring harness simultaneously and instantly upon installation). If you yank the cluster this connector will be very obvious. Sometimes this helps make "flaky" gagues work correctly again. Sometimes not.

 

Damon thank you so much for the advice, just one question, I think, but might be wrong, is the speedometer mechanical or eletric, I have a Hayes repair manual but it isn't to detailed on the speedometer. I'll try the VSS first, thanks again, I owe you a cheese steak sandwich, wish I could get a good one here in florida.

 

I think the 'newer' Camaros (yours) are electical.

 

Damon, I'm going to try removing and reinserting the gauge cluster, first, I just remebered the when I removed the dash pad to replace the fron speakers there was so much dust and crude under the pad and the oil pressure and fuel gauges aren;t accurate, I hope that is the reason. Thanks again.

 

I had a similar problem before. Every time I'd go over a bump, the speedo would go nuts. I figured out that by pushing down on the dash, it had the same effect. I finally figured out that the connection behind the gauge was loose. I ended up 'propping' the rear connectors out so that they fit further into the gauge cluster's connector when installed (further out of the firewall). That fixed my problem.

 

Thanks 87, that will definitely be the first thing I try.

 

I started to remove the instrument cluster, yesterday to see if disconnecting and reconnecting the cable to the cluster will solve my speedometer problem. I cannot seem to get my fingers behing the light switch panel to realease the **** so I can remove the trim. Any suggestions.

 

A few months a go I was messing with my guage cluster and had the same problem. In fact I broke the little part that connected the headlight *** to the dash. Anyway, as long as you don't have an accessory switch under the head light switch, you just need to find someone w/ a small enought hand to fit into the space under it. Under the switch assembly is a small, spring loaded button that locks the *** into it. You have to push the button and pull the *** out at the same time, then the trim will come right off. Good luck!

 

Yet another reason why I like the firebird more then the camero. My gauge cluster is like 15 screws and it comes right out no problem. That seating thing is something I might try though because I have the same problem with my speedo. I asked what it could be and someone said in a 91 it's electric, I had bought the speedo cable and was told to bring it back and smack the salesperson with it...Gonna do that this week.

 

Thanks destroyer it worked like a charm. When I removed the gauge cluster I found several of the copper contacts bent out of shape, I straightened them back & replaced the cluster, I should have inserted the connectors first, instead I pushed the cluster on to the connectors, I don't think the connectors seated properly, my speedometer isn't working at all. I have to redo it, but I now know the problem.

 

Glad I could help! My oil pressure gauge has always been real out of wack while I think my tach is screwed too. I think I'll have to check the contacts on my cluster as well.

 

Destroyer just be very careful, the contacts on the gauge cluster are just copper foil they bend very easily, mine had 3 contacts bent, I got them in proper place but did not attach the contact wires to the cluster, I pushed the cluster into place, I am going to have to do it all over again and attach the contact wires to the cluster before screwing the cluster back in place, I had an easy time releasing the headlight ****, once I removed the lower dash panel I was able to stick my finger up to the bottom of the headlight switch and push the release button.
I have a Haynes repair manual for my car, it said the release button was at the back of the switch, on my 92 it is on the bottom. I should have driven the car, before replacing the dash pad, and cluster trim, next time I will. I know know that my speedometer problem is electrical and I'm sure the next time I remove and replace the cluster correctly the problem should be gone. If not I'll replace the VSS.
My oil gauge doesn't work correctly also, I'm thinking of buying a new set of gauges and installing them on the windshield post, but I hate to do anything that is'nt stock.

 

I think I will be getting an a-pillar triple guage pod in the future (after my engine, drivetrain, chassis, and suspension is finished). Also, there are a few companies making replacement gauge clusters but they are very expensive. I might get one later if I have enough cash. But I definitely need a new tach!