How do you fix a 1981 Chevy Silverado speedometer?

Answer 1

Depends on what your problem is, which isn't specified. But, assuming that your speedometer isn't working at all, there are three likely issues. The speedometer (and odometer) is operated by a cable that connects into the transmission. On the rear end of the transmission you will notice a cable with what looks very simiilar to the cap on a soda bottle, except that it will be black or silver and have a cable coming out of the center of it. This cable goes under the car, into the engine compartment and then through the firewall into the back of the dashboard, where it plugs into the speedometer gaug. There is a gear on each end of the cable. Actually the speedometer end is just a square drive gear, the end that plugs into the transmission has a very small gear on the end that meshes with a gear in the transmission. If your speedometer is not working, it is likely due to one of three things; 1. Someone disconnected the speedo cable from the speedometer gauge, which also keeps the odometer from showing miles driven. 2. The gear on the transmission end has broken or has been disconnected. 3. Most likely, the cable itself has broken. The cable is supposed to be lubricated every so often with some grease. If not, after some period of time, it's not unusual for the cable to break. Get a replacement cable, and have lots of fun trying to access the back of the dash... 4. The speedometer gauge itself might be completely broken. It's more likely that the cable is broken, but occasionally, the speedometer itself breaks. I would check to make sure the cable is connected at both ends. If it is connected correctly to the speedo and trans, but not working, disconnect the cable from the speedo and the transmission. with both ends of the cable now visible, you can turn one end of the cable, if the opposite end also turns, there is nothing wrong with the cable. Use the appropriate lubricant and re-install. Then you'll need to get a new speedometer gauge, or fix the one you have. If the other end doesn't turn, the cable is broken. You'll need to get a new one. You could theoretically repair the old one, but why bother. Just get a new one. They're only like $25.