My speedometer is whining when its super cold out.. Like tonight -15*c.. the speedometer acks normal and then all of a sudden jumps up to 80kms when I am really at 30kms... and then broke the needle off.. crazy stuff.. what is going on with it?
Speedomter whining (acting crazy)
- Thread starter STIFFLER
- Start date
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The speedometer cable needs fresh grease.
I'm not sure about your diesel '83, but generally they go from the back of the speedometer in the cab to the side of the transfer case. At least, that's the case in my truck's era. Definitely you can trace it back from the back of the speedo head in front of your steering wheel. The best way I know of is to disconnect both ends and pull the wire cable out of the housing and use speedo cable lube (or all purpose will work).
For a temporary fix, remove the end from the speedometer housing in the cab and inject lube into the housing using a syringe/pressure, if you have one.
For a temporary fix, remove the end from the speedometer housing in the cab and inject lube into the housing using a syringe/pressure, if you have one.
Mace said:
Not sure I'm following, Mace, but what if the cable is starting to fray, building up twisting energy then overshooting causing the overspin?
STIFFLER said:
Sounds like the seal failed on the speedo head, allowing grease/lube to contaminate the drive mechanism. The grease contamination causes the spinning magnet to stick to the ring and this will break the spring and needle. Get a new one.
So, what then caused the needle to spring ahead before it broke, if the magnet was stuck?
The cable will momentarily freeze in the cable housing and then, when the pressure to turn is sufficiant, will speed up causing the gauge provide an overly high reading. Lube on the cable should fix the problem. Since it's quite cold where you are, select a lube that is still viscous at low temperatures.
Best regards,
Best regards,
IDave said:
Friction. The magnet is dragging in the grease before it sticks.
squinty20 said:I have the opposite problem. My speedo runs slow. The first 15 mph it doesn't budge, and then picks up and seems to run accurate but 15 mph slow. For example when going 55 it will show 40. Anyone have ideas on this one?
The spring tension is too high or the bearing is sticking.
cruiser_guy
Out of Africa / North Africa
I'm with Pin_Head. I had the same problem (excess speed/pinning the needle) as described. I pulled the speedo head and flushed out the grease buildup in the magnet area and it was fine after that for as long as I owned that car (several years at least).
Pin_Head said:
That makes sense.
I tried to get my hand behind the instrument cluster to disconnect the speedo cable, but I can't physically fit my hand back there. Tried to pull the instrument cluster forward, but it won't budge.
So, for now I've simply disconnected the speedo cable at the gear reduction unit (late model tranny/transfer case so it's from a 3.70 geared FJ and planted in a 4.10 geared FJ).
On the reduction unit, I noticed two wires following the speedo cable up, then they disappear. I didn't trace them out, brrrr cold out right now. Can't find them on a schematic, though I'm still looking.
For now I'll probably just leave the speedo cable disconnected until the cold spell is over, unless my teenager can contort his hands behind the instrument cluster.
So, for now I've simply disconnected the speedo cable at the gear reduction unit (late model tranny/transfer case so it's from a 3.70 geared FJ and planted in a 4.10 geared FJ).
On the reduction unit, I noticed two wires following the speedo cable up, then they disappear. I didn't trace them out, brrrr cold out right now. Can't find them on a schematic, though I'm still looking.
For now I'll probably just leave the speedo cable disconnected until the cold spell is over, unless my teenager can contort his hands behind the instrument cluster.
Mike Shull
Let’s go…
I have had this problem on three of my Toyotas now, have tryed everything from greasing behind the needle, to placing plugs in my ears...and nothing will make the noise go away.
I will have to agree with IDave, the spedo cable just needs fresh "light oil"..really it works...don't us a heavy grease as it will gum up and cause the cable to break when it's really cold...then the noise stops.... If the cable is aftermarket it will usally make the noise more than an OEM cable....The guys at Toyota will tell you the same thing...and to only use OEM Cables.
The reason your needle jumps all around is because the cable is going crazy back there, not going in smooth circles....take your speedo out one night and drive down the street with it out the next morning....watch the cable...it goes nuts...."if it's really bad" ...doesn't really make the noise though....
I will have to agree with IDave, the spedo cable just needs fresh "light oil"..really it works...don't us a heavy grease as it will gum up and cause the cable to break when it's really cold...then the noise stops.... If the cable is aftermarket it will usally make the noise more than an OEM cable....The guys at Toyota will tell you the same thing...and to only use OEM Cables.
The reason your needle jumps all around is because the cable is going crazy back there, not going in smooth circles....take your speedo out one night and drive down the street with it out the next morning....watch the cable...it goes nuts...."if it's really bad" ...doesn't really make the noise though....
