Speedometer/Tach Cable Broken?

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Nov 25, 2005 | 02:49 PM

73lover

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 15

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From: Orlando FL

Speedometer/Tach Cable Broken?

Hey all,

We have a mostly stock L-82 '73 Vette and it appears that the speedometer cable has broken. The speedometer just stopped working on the way home from Turkey day yesterday. Can someone help me locate the cables (I am NOT technical when it comes to cars). I have been told it's easy to locate and check to see if it's the cable itself. The car does have dealer-installed cruise control, if that matters.

Thanks in advance!

Daniel

Nov 25, 2005 | 04:43 PM

C3 4ME

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 6,247

Likes: 471

From: Glen Allen, VA

If it has cruise control then yoiu should have a connection on the drivers side of the engine where 2 cables connect to it. This is the cruise contol, one cable is coming in from the transmission, the other is going out to the speedometer. The one going out to the speedometer will go through the firewall to the speedo. You can unscrew the ring connection and then chuck up a drill to the cable itself and see if the speedo moves, then you will know for sure if the speedo works. If it does work then it is likely that the speedo cable is worn out. In your case you would need to replace both of them.

Dec 4, 2005 | 07:14 PM

73lover

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: Orlando FL

I have found the part where the cables come together. It's just below the air cleaner/carb toward the master cylinder. They are stiff(ish) black cables. One goes into the firewall and one goes to something that terminates just ahead of the driver front wheel well.

So, I need to unscrew the cable from the firewall and check the cable itself. I can't imagine this to be an expensive part. My dad said I could get one from GM still.

To the best of anyone's knowledge is this all correct?

Thanks again!

D

Dec 5, 2005 | 01:32 AM

Kalway

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 4,071

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From: San Diego CA

Probably in the same boat I am, cruise control transducer is most likely dead. $50 is the cheapest you'll find a working one. $100 from midamerica, $60 - $75 in most auto parts stores.

Dec 9, 2005 | 10:17 AM

73lover

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: Orlando FL

How can I determine that it's the transducer vs. the cable itself? I know when my dad owned the car the tach cable broke at least once and he said it was an easy replace. Does the cable have to be visibly inspected in order to determine that it's not the problem?

Thanks again,

D

Dec 9, 2005 | 11:44 AM

73BB4SPD

8th Gear

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 8

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I think that is what C3 4ME was refering to when he said to use a drill to spin the cable. However, be careful to spin it slowly to start and if you are leaving it connected to the Tach and spinning the other end remember it spins one direction to move the tach clockwise. You can twist it quickly with your fingers and see if the needle jumps to be sure you are spinning it the right way.

Dec 22, 2005 | 12:22 PM

73lover

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: Orlando FL

Sorry to be bothersome. I'm having a hard time getting the cable detached. My dad said that it should be easy - you should be able to do it with your fingers. I am not able to get it off without a pliers, etc. I just want to make sure I'm messing with the right cables. haha

D

Dec 22, 2005 | 01:12 PM

carl a

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 4,135

Likes: 1

I Also Have A 73 And Just Replaced My Cables Reciently, The Speedo Cable Is Coming Out Of The Drivers Side Of The Trans, Its A 2 Piece Cable ,so The Joint Connecting The 2 Was Right By The Heat Shield Under The Drivers Side Floor Pan,then The 2nd Cable Came From There Up Into The Engine Compartment And Thru The Firewall To Back Of The Speedo. Its E/zer To Replace The Cable If You Have Someone To Give You A Hand. Lay On Your Back On The Drivers Side Floor W/ A Flash Light And A Small Screw Driver. There Is A Clip That Holds The Cable To The Back Of The Speedometerlift The Clip And Pull The Cable And It Will Release.its Ezer To Install It.just Push It On The Back Of The Speedo And It Snaps In Place