Speedometer quits then works again

[richduck]

Hey guys, first post here but this forum has helped a lot. My speedometer will occasionally just up and stop registering any speed. Needle drops to zero. Usually it will start working again within a few miles. Today the check engine light came on as well, not the first time it's happened but usually stays off the next time I start the car.

Haven't run any codes yet but was hoping someone else may have a clue where to begin the diagnosis.

Thanks!

Car is an 88 LXi automatic. Completely stock, about 18,000 miles on the rebuild I did last year. Need to get the AC fixed next:)

[jasonrebellion]

sounds like a speedocable slipping to me

[richduck]

Gives me a place to start, thanks!

[jasonrebellion]

mine hasn't gone out on my 3g, but im assuming its probably got a plastic connector that plugs into the back of the speedometer.....over time they get brittle or just plain worn down...i had mine go out in my 92 dakota i had when i was 16.

[89lxisedan]

my 1992 eclipse gs did the same thing and it was a speedometer cable

[danny nr crew]

my best guess is follow the cable to the trany and see if its connected right and if not just slide it into place thats wat happend to me

[89lxisedan]

my best guess is follow the cable to the trany and see if its connected right and if not just slide it into place thats wat happend to me

i know it doesn't stand for much but i agree with danny follow it then you also can find anything that is potentially wrong with it

[MessyHonda]

how does the steering wheel react? mine would go soft when i lost my speedo

[richduck]

The steering wheel doesn't get any different than normal.

I've got to change a steering rack this weekend so I will have a chance to check the cable connection at the trans pretty close while underneath.

One wierd thing though, if I let up on the gas the needle will climb but when I get back on it the needle falls again. I think the cable connection or maybe the cable itself is to blame.

[Oldblueaccord]

There is a clip that holds the cable in to the trans adapter. Its tricky to lock in sometimes. Sounds like the trans moves enough under load to pull the cable out far enough so it wont catch. It will code out without the speedo hooked up.


wp

[Dr_Snooz]

Just curious, does the cruise work when the speedo doesn't?

[danny nr crew]

no cruise does not work i think the speedo thing has like a sensor on the back of it or something