What is a Speedometer Cable?

Have you ever wondered how the speedometer in your car tracks the speed your car is traveling at? Well, it does so by using a very important cable.

The speedometer cable runs from the dial on your dashboard, through the engine and to the gear box. As you accelerate your car, the drive shaft turns a magnet that creates an eddy current. An eddy current is a current that spins in circles, like a whirlpool.

With the eddy current spinning in circles, the speed cup begins to rotate, which in turn tightens the hairspring. As the hairspring tightens, the pointer on your dial indicates the speed.

As you drive along, changing your speed here and there, this process continually repeats itself to keep you informed about the speed you are traveling in real time.

Due to its incessant usage, over time, the speedometer cable may require repairs.

Signs Your Speedometer Cable Needs Repair

The speedometer cable is just one component of many in the system that tracks your vehicles speed. If any of those components begin to fail, such as the speedometer sensors, a warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.

If you begin to observe any of the following signs, along with the warning light, it could be that the speedometer cable needs to be fixed:

• Atypical noises from the speedometer itself at high speeds, such as squeaks or squeals.
• Erratic movements of the speedometer needle, especially at higher speeds
• Speedometer needle drops repeatedly at slower speeds.
• The speedometer fails to function at all

If you are handy with cars and can gain access to the cable yourself, you may notice the following symptoms of an old speedometer cable:

• Kinks in the cable
• Fraying
• Cable is soaked in engine fluid
• Deterioration of the cable’s ends

We recommend you schedule your car for service if you see any of the items from above occurring in your car.

How to Fix a Speedometer Cable?

We recommend that you do not delay when it’s time to fix the speedometer cable on your vehicle. Fixing your speedometer cable promptly could be the difference between getting home safely, or receiving an expensive speeding ticket because of your faulty speedometer dial.

After a mechanic has diagnosed the cable as the issue, they will take the following steps to fix your car, and get you back on the road:

1. The vehicle’s battery is disconnected and the car is lifted.
2. Engine parts and accessories are removed in order to gain access to the cable.
3. The faulty speedometer cable is removed and replaced.
4. A brand-new speedometer cable is installed.
5. The car is lowered, the battery gets reconnected, and the vehicle gets road-tested.

The Importance of Speedometers

Without speedometers, the road would be a chaotic place. Speedometers keep drivers honest and help them follow the rules of the road, which in turn, keeps everyone safer.

If you think you are experiencing issues with your speedometer, but are unsure, you can always contact us for help. We can assist you in diagnosing the problem and help you get the repairs you need.