Speedometer

[goinghunting]

For about two weeks the speedometer would oscillate, then one day it quit. I just discovered the other day that the speedometer is about 10 mph off. If it shows 55 I am going about 65. Would lubing the cable help or is this a problem with the gage, and can any thing be done with that? Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Your speedo gear may have some damaged teeth on it. This happened in my last explorer and caused similar problems. It's fairly easy to replace, and was obviously bad when it was removed.

 

[goinghunting]

speedo gear

Is this gear located at the end of the cable in the tranny or in the instrument cluster? I have a 5 speed.
Thanks for you help.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Mine was the gear in the tranny. The mechanic replaced it in a few minutes.

 

[goinghunting]

Thanks

Thanks

 

[goinghunting]

sorry I do have one more question. My gas mileage has gone down since this problem started. Did you have similar problems? I thought it might be because the speedometer says 55 and I am going 65 therefore showing less miles on the odometer.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd say your right on the money. By the time I had mine fixed I was showing about 90 miles to a tank.

 

[TunnelFear]

I'd say your right on the money. By the time I had mine fixed I was showing about 90 miles to a tank.

So theoretically, you could pull out that gear, and drive...without having any "real miles" added to your odometer?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Sure. But the truck will run like garbage because it uses the transmission is shifted electronically and relies on the speedo. Other electronic things are also dependant on it. It runs in a "safe" mode that uses generic values to get you where you are going.

*Edit, I see you have a first gen. It might then effect the OD as that is electronic. The a4ld doesn't is electronically controled.

 

[Premier]

He said 5 speed, im guessing manual? Would a manual have any problems with the speedo gear removed?

 

[Dakota1358]

Speedo gear is plastic so they can break teeth.Replacing it really isn't hard so i'd suggest that.Other than the tranny fluid may spray out of the hole(unless you plug it) I don't think it hurt much other than your wallet since you have no idea how fast your going lol

 

[goinghunting]

Mine turned out to be not the gear on the end of the speedometer cable but the gear in the transmission. With 4x4 the transfer case needs to be removed. This gear is also plastic.