Weird Speedo Issue.

[Memphis]

Maybe this is weird, maybe it's not. I changed the Warning Lights in the dash of my '94 XLT the other day now my speedometer isn't working right. It will bounce back and forth when at low speeds and today was going from 0-85 at one point. Around 45 on up it will work, but has a slight wiggle to it. I pulled it apart last night and put a small dab of grease on the end or the speedometer head where the cable goes and removed the cable, cleaned it and re-lubed it with white lithium grease. Not any better. I'm thinking that maybe I changed the bend and it is kinked? It doesn't look like that, though. I push it this way and pull it that way, but no difference. However, if I drive around town slowly (with the instrument cluster cover removed) and pull the cluster to me, it will smooth out and work normally. What on earth did I do to this thing???!!! it was working fine before.............

 

[Memphis]

I've decided that there are basically three things that could go wrong: 1. gear drive at tranny, 2. cable, 3. speedo. I am going to try to get a 'new' speedo tomorrow. What years interchange?

 

[adsm08]

Did you make sure your cable is in the whole way?

 

[Memphis]

Yes, I've checked that and re-checked it. The flange part of the cable seems to be fully seated in the tube.....or whatever it would be called. I tried a 'new' speedo from a 1993 Ranger Saturday and it made no difference. Cable next?
Then I tried to start it and it won't start now, so I have a new issue..........

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Then I tried to start it and it won't start now, so I have a new issue..........

LMAO!! Sounds like you need to stop touching it!!

Sorry...had to

In all seriousness though, I'd go with the speedo cable. It's cheap and really easy to replace. Just don't do like I did...routed the cable the wrong way and the gas pedal got stuck under it on the highway For a second that day I thought I had jumped into the wrong truck and was driving a Toyota

Edit: I had to replace mine because the end that plugs into the instrument cluster was worn down and rounded off...so I was getting roughly the same symptoms as you. After a while, it will wear down even more and stop working all together like mine did.

 

[Xandor]

Funny I bought a 88 mustang notch back about 4 hrs ago. Just got in the house to go to a mustang fourm to ask why my speedo is doing the samething yours is. Makes a really loud click every time.

 

[Memphis]

No problem.....my wife is starting to think that about it, too. I just got the solenoid replaced last night so we are good there! Back on track. I recently had a '67 Dodge and it did seem that as I fixed one thing a couple more would crop up.
So.....can the cable be bad even though it looks good? And, would I be better off replacing the whole thing, cable and housing? Where would I find these? I've got to do something because if I get stopped I don't think the cop will accept the "I'm working on it." answer!

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Lol....no, they don't accept that answer. I know

You'll find the part you need at just about any parts shop. You can't get just the cable, it comes with the housing when you buy it. Don't worry though...it's not hard to replace. Just make sure you don't take the old one out until you're good and ready to put the new one in. That way, you can follow the original path of the cable.

 

[Memphis]

I'm sorry to drag this on, but this seems harder to find than you'd think. NAPA might have it, but O'Reilly's shows that the '94 should have the speed sensor and no cable is listed. Even LMC does not seem to show it for my year. So.....when did they change to the speed sensor style? Looks like I'd better talk to the local Ford dealer about getting one.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Uhh...well that's interesting. What is it that you pulled out of the back of the speedo then??

It shouldn't be any different from my '93.

If I were in your shoes, I'd dig the old cable/housing out of the truck and bring it in and ask them where they think you got that from. lol

If I drive by my local parts shop today, I'll stop in and ask.

 

[Memphis]

Well, just doing some research......Dormans Products has one. I have to order it through O'Reilly's for $19.01, not bad. A Ford Dealership says they are obsolete. LMC Trucks can't get one.
Unless you come up with something different I'll probably order the one from Dorman's. I just hope it is'nt so long I have to loop it around the frame a couple times! I think they said it was 72.00 which I assume to be inches??
This is just the craziest thing! I've never had one get bad like this. The only thing I can think of is I must have kinked it somehow somewhere when I pulled on the cluster to get at the bulbs. That's what I call fragile! Leave it to me.........

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I'd just go with the one from dormans. The price is right

 

[Memphis]

I did order that one. Just 5-7 working days........ What I have noticed, now that it is getting colder, is that it works better (normal almost) when it's cold (34) in the morning. After a few miles it goes back to being erratic. Really weird! I wonder if the square ends are worn down and the cold grease helps keep them in and not let them spin when they shouldn't? Odd theory.