Speedometer problem?

[Thomas]

OK, so this weekend i took apart my dash and took out the gauges to put on new faces. The oil gauge came apart instantly and broke as i took it out. ( I'm not bothered, it never really showed much help, especially that my 87 is N/A so i don't mind the gauge not working. So I put the dash back together, and all the gauges work as they should (besides oil) And now my speedometer wont work. i drove it up and down the road a few times, and the needle just wont move. i think i may have broke the speedometer cable/connector? (If i did, i don't mind, it will be old anyways a new one would be nice just for the sense of things). Or maybe i am not lining up the back of the gauges with the cable in the back of the dash? I really am clueless here. If anyone can tell if its broken/needs to be lined up exactly, that would be immensely helpful. It worked perfectly fine before i took out the gauges, so i don't think it is a problem with being connected under the car.

At this point I don't really know what to do to fix it. I've taken out the panel and placed it back in around 5 times now, maybe i was missing the needle or something?
But it did not work a single time. just going to unhook everything and wait for my cousin to stop by, if that does not work maybe a shop then.
Maybe one of you guys know what i'm doing wrong and i can fix it in a matter of minutes? Thanks.

 

[supraguy@aol]

Get under your car, and unscrew the speedo cable at the passenger side.
You will see a keyed end once you take it out. Have someone put their fingers on the gauge end, as you spin the tranny end by hand. If no movement, then one of the two sections of cable is broken. Unscrew the lower section, and check that one for movement first. If it's good, than check the upper section seperately. One of the two will be at fault. The lower section which connects at the tranny is only about 10" long, and retails for about $20 at the dealership. Mine had broken once, so there is a chance that its as simple as that.

 

[Thomas]

Alright, i have a pit in my garage so it should be easier to get to things. Ill go over this and check it out when i have time, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[SeeUSmile]

broke the nose end in half buddy. I did the same thing. They actually sit out longer. Thats why i'm scared to take off my dash again if I ever snap that part.

 

[Thomas]

broke the nose end in half buddy. I did the same thing. They actually sit out longer. Thats why i'm scared to take off my dash again if I ever snap that part.

oh, damn. Did you fix yours? if so how much did it cost? was it hard to do/ what did you have to do to fix it? Sorry for so many questions, just trying to get it done asap haha.

 

[SeeUSmile]

Got a new speedo cable, unfortunately it wasn't me that fixed it since I gave it to a mate of mine to fix for me.

 

[Thomas]

Got a new speedo cable, unfortunately it wasn't me that fixed it since I gave it to a mate of mine to fix for me.

oh, darn. I may just drive it to a shop with a friend following me to pace me. I don't care really, it's a learning experience. Might as well break it now than have it break when i need it like in the middle of a long drive. All in the process i suppose. Thanks!

 

[Grandavi]

There is an iphone speedo app that works.. or you could be like me and fork out the dough for a Passport Max radar detector.. shows the speed via GPS..


... or just get the new cable

 

[Thomas]

Can anyone tell if the nose is actually broken in half? i can not find any pictures for me to compare. I went in my pit and took it apart at the connection, and the needle does turn freely in the empty dash. clockwise and counter clockwise, but not in a small rotation, in a large rotation like it is bent. Is this piece truly broken? or can I just not get it in correctly? Thanks

 

[SeeUSmile]

 

[Thomas]

That's awesome, exactly what I needed. Thank you!

 

[Thomas]

*update*
i placed the gauges back in the car also on the speedometer cable, and went under the car with a drill and spun it, the speedometer moved about 20mph. So i believe the "long" cable is actually working properly, so could it be the small cable/lazy L thing? It seems it spins with a drill, but it is not being spun by the normal means. These two seem much more of a challenge to remove.