Sticking / lazy speedometer

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procomsignathid

procomsignathid

Basket Caseworker
SILVER Star
Joined
Mar 12, 2025
Threads
12
Messages
303
Location
Colorado
Hey y’all- Anyone run into the issue where the speedo doesn't register anything until you get to about 25-30mph?

I did some cursory searching and most of the troubles Ive found had to do w seized odometers (which Ive already dealt with / fixed).

For context, this is a ‘78 FJ40 (built oct ‘77), stock cluster, transmission, etc.

Anyone had / fixed this issue? Thanks!
 
its gummed up.... disassemble clean and reinstall... while your at it remove the cable and clean the inside of the sheath

be careful removing cluster as to not make contact with the amp meter wires .... or we will call you sparkie :)
 
procomsignathid said:
Hey y’all- Anyone run into the issue where the speedo doesn't register anything until you get to about 25-30mph?

I did some cursory searching and most of the troubles Ive found had to do w seized odometers (which Ive already dealt with / fixed).

For context, this is a ‘78 FJ40 (built oct ‘77), stock cluster, transmission, etc.

Anyone had / fixed this issue? Thanks!
Click to expand...
If you need some additional help, reach out to @JVZii ...he's refurbished a few.
 
also check the cable from the transfer case, that there are no sharp bends, especially behind the dash area. Took me a while to figure out how to put it all back into the dashboard without a kink in the cable. (Hint, you can reach up from underneath the dash to connect the speedo)

Yes, disconnect the battery before taking out the Speedo cluster.
It is not that bad - just take your time taking it to pieces on a nice clean workbench - take lots of photos as well.
@JVZii is definitely the expert here.
 
There are threads and vid's for working over the speedo/odo around here somewhere. My dad once hot rodded brazing rod sections into the stripped worm gear area and then hand filed the tooth profile to match. His speedo/odo worked flawlessly after that. Many ways to skin the NLA cat if you are cleaver. Vaseline is an acceptable grease for the cable. Thicker stuff will twist off the cable end when it cold out. I'm sure there is better stuff these days for that purpose.
 
I noticed that it didnt do the sticking thing on the way back from work today in warmer weather. Hope it is just a lubrication thing, but I'll dig it out. I know that when I put my heater back in, the fresh/recirc pull knob was damn-near seized until I pulled it, straightened out any kinks, and lubed it up. Works flawlessly now. Im sure the speedo cable may be in similar condition.
 
These older clusters are tough. The way the speedometer is setup the needle is prone to being grabbed erratically when it starts to wear out.

Lubricating the cable is a good place to start. Bur it sounds like you have a new cable. You might try to get the speedometer out it and spray some carb cleaner down the needle shaft.

The other thing to try is to grind a little bit off the end of the speedometer cable (the part that goes in the speedometer). I have had some luck with this with some other customers. The thought is that end that goes into the speedometer is just a tiny bit long and binds up the cable which can make the speedometer jump around.

Buutt sometimes these old ones just don't come back.
 
Imho

I would use either crc or lps electric contact/parts cleaners
 
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