Are there any problems with the speedometer on a vintage car?
Fortunately, problems with mechanically operated speedometers can often be resolved with a little effort. Here we’ll talk about how they work and common problems on vintage automobiles.
Is there a way to replace the speedometer cable?
Replacing the speedometer cable is one option, but there are two methods for lubricating the old cable that’s worth it to try first. For one method, they make a special speedometer cable lubricant that’s installed where the cable attaches to the speedometer head.
What causes the speedometer cable to dry out?
When they assembled the speedometer cable at the factory, they filled the cable with bearing grease and then sealed both ends. This lubricant can leak out, deteriorate, or dry up over long periods of time. Without lubrication, the operation becomes noisy, but this is not the only problem.
What kind of speedometer does a 1969 Oldsmobile Super Sport have?
Whether you have a 1969 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport, a 50s era Oldsmobile Rocket Eighty-Eight, or even a British sports car like a Jaguar E-Type the speedometers basically work the same. A signal originates from a driven gear that meshes with the transmission tail shaft.
Fortunately, problems with mechanically operated speedometers can often be resolved with a little effort. Here we’ll talk about how they work and common problems on vintage automobiles.
When they assembled the speedometer cable at the factory, they filled the cable with bearing grease and then sealed both ends. This lubricant can leak out, deteriorate, or dry up over long periods of time. Without lubrication, the operation becomes noisy, but this is not the only problem.
Replacing the speedometer cable is one option, but there are two methods for lubricating the old cable that’s worth it to try first. For one method, they make a special speedometer cable lubricant that’s installed where the cable attaches to the speedometer head.
Whether you have a 1969 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport, a 50s era Oldsmobile Rocket Eighty-Eight, or even a British sports car like a Jaguar E-Type the speedometers basically work the same. A signal originates from a driven gear that meshes with the transmission tail shaft.
What to do if your speedometer doesn’t work?
Replacing the bad speed sensor will solve this issue. Also, if speedometer in your Chevy stops working or reads erratically, test the cruise control out. The cruise control uses the same sensors as your speedometer. If the cruise is working and the check engine light is on, the problem is likely with the speedometer itself.
Why is my speedometer not working on my Chevy Trailblazer?
Your Chevrolet’s speedometer gives important readings about your current speed. If you are experiencing problems with yours, don’t fret — these issues are common and easily fixed (usually). In fact, TrailBlazer speedometer problems are one of the most common topics discussed on popular Chevy online forums.
What happens if your speed sensor is bad?
Another symptom of a bad speed sensor is sluggish automatic transmission shifting. The vehicle’s computer also uses the speed sensor signal to control emissions and cruise control. Replacing the VSS in this 1992 Ford Ranger made quite a difference in its get up an go. Loading…
Is it possible to make your Speedo and odometer inaccurate?
You just made your speedo and odometer inaccurate. Here’s how to fix them both. If you’ve ever modified a car with smaller or larger tires or, perhaps, a different final-drive gear, you’ve immediately screwed up your speedometer. This is, of course, annoying, but for modern cars with a digital speed sensor, there’s a relatively easy way to fix it.
Why is my speedometer so far off the speed limit?
As mentioned above, another common problem is the calibration of the reading. Sometimes owners don’t find out just how far off a speedometer is until they’re driving down the highway at 55 MPH and receive a speeding ticket for traveling 10 MPH over the limit.
When to see a mechanic about your speedometer?
If you feel you are driving faster or slower than what the speedometer reads, it is a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by Your Mechanic, as this might be a problem with the sensor that can be repaired or an indication that the speedometer sensor needs replacement.
Can a bad speedometer sensor cause you to slow down?
A malfunctioning speedometer sensor can also cause a speedometer to act erratically, fluctuating the reading from one speed to another; even though in reality you’re not speeding up or slowing down.
Can a speedometer be off on a European Car?
No matter what make and model you drive, your speedometer is definitely off. Case in point, at highway speeds it will almost always show a faster rate than you’re actually traveling. And if your car’s European, the problem’s even worse.
Can a SAE calibrated speedometer be off target?
That depends a lot on how fast you’re going. If you go by the formulas, SAE-calibrated speedometers will definitely be off as you cross into triple digit speeds, and European ones may still be on target.
Why does the speedometer read higher when the tail shaft spins?
The faster the tail shaft spins the higher the reading on the dashboard. This type of implementation provides car makers with some flexibility to change calibration by changing the size of the gear that mounts on the transmission.
Why does my car speedometer make a squeaky sound?
In fact, counting the number of teeth on the gear and knowing its color are helpful in diagnosing speedometer calibration issues . One of the most annoying speedometer problems is squeaky operation. A high-pitched sound is generated by the metal core rubbing inside of the cable sheath.
Do you need to replace the speedometer dial?
Not every speedometer related problem needs a replacement job. It depends on the cause. In case the dial is the problem, you can easily replace the dial alone. Problems with the inbuilt computer will require replacement.
The faster the tail shaft spins the higher the reading on the dashboard. This type of implementation provides car makers with some flexibility to change calibration by changing the size of the gear that mounts on the transmission.
In fact, counting the number of teeth on the gear and knowing its color are helpful in diagnosing speedometer calibration issues . One of the most annoying speedometer problems is squeaky operation. A high-pitched sound is generated by the metal core rubbing inside of the cable sheath.
Why does my speedometer make noise when I Disconnect the cable?
If you disconnect the cable from a speedometer head and it still makes noise, then you have just isolated the problem as the cable itself. However, if the noise disappears when it’s disconnected then the head contains the issue.
Where does the signal come from on a speedometer?
A signal originates from a driven gear that meshes with the transmission tail shaft. This set up rotates a flexible metal core inside of a speedometer cable, which in turn, connects to the back of the speedometer head mounted in the instrument cluster . The faster the tail shaft spins the higher the reading on the dashboard.
Why does my speedometer go off when I jump start my car?
A common problem for this malfunction is when the car owner recently replaced the battery, or perhaps jump-stared their vehicle, which in both cases could have caused an electrical spike that made the speedometer go berserk. See the simple reset solution in the video below, demonstrated on a 2002 Chrysler Sebring.
Is there a way to reset the speedometer?
See the simple reset solution in the video below, demonstrated on a 2002 Chrysler Sebring. Other make and models may have a similar solution. Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level?
Why does my speedometer make a high pitched noise?
A high-pitched sound is generated by the metal core rubbing inside of the cable sheath. A speedometer head can also generate noise, which also spins along at the same speed. If you disconnect the cable from a speedometer head and it still makes noise, then you have just isolated the problem as the cable itself.