Topic: Speedo Cables on an 82?
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Lifetime MemberApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
My speedometers stopped working after bouncing around for a good 3 weeks; I bought replacement cables both upper and lower (I have functioning cruise control) I have heard that it is normally the lower cable that goes, but I went ahead and got both cables.
Anything I need to know before I change them out?
I have the AIM and all the other shop/service manuals needed.
Thanks!
Anything I need to know before I change them out?
I have the AIM and all the other shop/service manuals needed.
Thanks!
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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Well...the lower cable is gonna be a LOT easier to change than the upper one!
Yeah, the lower cable is more susceptible to failing, due to heat, and the many small turns the outer housing makes from the trans to the cruize transducer.
Do this...disconnect the cable that goes inside to the speedo from the transducer, and spin it with yer fingers, or a slow speed drill. Watch the speedo. If it moves, and registers, then that cable is ok.(unless the end of it that fits into the transducer is rounded off)
That should tell ya which one to replace, for the time being. It's best to go ahead and do both, but...you can always save the one ya don't need for later.
Also...you say you have a functioning cruise...does this mean even without the speedo working? If it does work, but the speedo don't, then it is definitely the upper cable that is bad. A working cruise means the lower cable is spinning the transducer gears.
Yeah, the lower cable is more susceptible to failing, due to heat, and the many small turns the outer housing makes from the trans to the cruize transducer.
Do this...disconnect the cable that goes inside to the speedo from the transducer, and spin it with yer fingers, or a slow speed drill. Watch the speedo. If it moves, and registers, then that cable is ok.(unless the end of it that fits into the transducer is rounded off)
That should tell ya which one to replace, for the time being. It's best to go ahead and do both, but...you can always save the one ya don't need for later.
Also...you say you have a functioning cruise...does this mean even without the speedo working? If it does work, but the speedo don't, then it is definitely the upper cable that is bad. A working cruise means the lower cable is spinning the transducer gears.
Joel Adams
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I have the exact same problem. Speedo stopped when I was in Bowling Green in mid-October. Cruise does not work. Two stores had the lower cable but not the upper. They both said the lower one was the likely bad one.
I didn't like the "Made in China" one at Advance Auto, so I bought a Pioneer cable from O'Reilly. Also ordered the upper cable and picked it up the next day.
Now I need to get some cable lube.
I will be working on this soon. Exhaust is coming off first.
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Lifetime MemberApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
I also bought the good cables. What is cable lube? Is this needed before installation? Will Ky work...
Adam, functioning cruise means it worked before it broke, I didn't think to check it since; I will tomorrow though.
Thanks guys!
Adam, functioning cruise means it worked before it broke, I didn't think to check it since; I will tomorrow though.
Thanks guys!
You should be able to get it at any auto parts store.
I believe the best way is to remove the inner cable from the sleeve, lube with grease, then reassemble.
Both cables.
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Lifetime MemberApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
I changed out both cables - all good
It was in fact the lower cable, the end broke off inside the transducer which I had to remove so I could get the broken end of the cable out.
Thanks for the help!
Phill's Vette 2007-11-05 21:12:21
It was in fact the lower cable, the end broke off inside the transducer which I had to remove so I could get the broken end of the cable out.
Thanks for the help!
I removed the lower cable from the tranny today. The wire end was twisted until it broke off the square end that was in the tranny.
Twisted Cable broken square end
Luckily, the broken, square end came right out.
I used a multi-use white grease (Lubriplate) to lube the inner cable.
It seemed that the cable already had a black grease, maybe moly-lube, on it.
Of course, the new cable is about six inches longer that the old cable, which looked like OEM.
I screwed both ends in, tucked the cable in place, and fired up the motor. Sure is loud with no exhaust.
I put it in gear and the speedo moved. That was good news. Of course, the real test will be when I get her off the floor jacks and take a spin around the block.
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in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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