Speedometer advice, pls

[PaulTWinterton]

I've read the FAQ on odometer repair, but before I go invasive, I'd like to get some advice.

I was recently under my dash tightening a loose ignition switch. Lucky me, it wasn't dead, just loose.

After that I went for a drive and noticed my speedo needle fluctuating +- 20mph. I confirm that the cable is working and secure at both ends. Odometer works fine.

Today, it's worse. The speedo needle sits around 0-10mph but the odometer seems to be recording proper distances.

QUESTION:

1. Is there any electrical (grounds) that I may have loosened while under the dash that could effect the speedo?

If it's totally mechanical, I guess I have to pull it.

Thanks,

Paul Winterton

Vancouver, Canada

73 Inca Tii

[SteveJ]

What is the condition of your speedo cable? Might need some lube or replacing?

The needle movement is pretty sensitive and any debris inside can cause it to hang up. There shouldn't be any electrical interference, although on my E30 the speedo needle hated it when I would wipe the plastic cover for the guages. The static charge cuased the needles to go wonky.

[PaulTWinterton]

As I said, cable seems to be working properly. The odometer is recording correctly. Therefore I assume it is not the cable.

I can't help but think that I did something when I was under the dash. Maybe loosened an electrical connection.

Hence my question. Is there any electrical function associated with the speedo? Is it totally mechanical/magnetic?

Thanks,

Paul

[///mChris]

I'd pull the speedo ASAP. I didn't on mine and it continued to get worse until the needle started spinning around and snapped off.

I think the issue is typically inside the speedo. I'd send it in for repair. I'm sure you could tear into it as well. If you do take photos!

[jrhone]

Its your cable. Its either old and needs to be lubed, or replaced....It can also be the gauge itself. I bought a set of gauges and the speedo did this. I swapped my speedo into the gauge pod and it worked fine. I started having fluctuations on a road trip...Just like you said except only over 70 MPH. I got some wd40 and sprayed it down the cable...drove a few days and the fluctuation stopped...I would lube the cable first...then go from there. There are no electrical connections that affect the speedo that I know of. I would also reseat the speedo cable and make sure its on perfectly. I hear they can be pretty finicky.

[PaulTWinterton]

Thanks for that. I'll do the cable this afternoon while I do an oil change. Easy to inspect at transmission.

Crossing my fingers.

I still think it is internal, as the odometer seems accurate, even though the speedo needle has virtually stopped moving.

For interest, I'll post my results. I hope their positive.

Thanks again.

Paul

[c.d.iesel]

you upset the cable when you first went digging

arounf the ignition switch

the cable must be tension free, no stress

on the outer tube, or the inner cable.

if you pulled it in anyway pulling the cluster,

you may have stretched the outer tube which

in effect lengthens it and not the inner cable.

Any sharp bends or stretching of the cable

will cause uneven speedo operation

plan on buying a new cable and being carefull

installing it - tension free

[MollysDad]

(nt)

[PaulTWinterton]

I inspected the cable thoroughly. I don't believe there is anything wrong with it. I even roadtested with the guage end open. cable turns freely, consistently, and strongly.

Speedo RE & RE:

I have the speedo open as in the photos from a previous post:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,334164/highlight,speedometer/

I don't understand the process described. The "magnet wheel" appears to be a collar that sits in the shaft housing. Whether it is supposed to be loose or firm, I'm not sure. All other components seem intact and firm.

Any input here would be VERY WELCOME.

Thanks,

Paul Winterton

Vancouver, Canada

73 INca Tii

[Mike Self]

needle; took me awhile to track the problem down--it wasn't the cable, but the two magnets inside the speedo. I did a column on how to repair; drop me an e-mail and I'll send you a copy.

Cheers

mike