Speedometer

[elchamo]

I'm finally planning on fixing the speedometer on my 1991 Corolla SR5, i read on another thread that the line( or cable) was divided in two and usually the one closest to the engine is the cheapest and tend to break the easiest. Also, someone mentioned that I didn't need to take the instrument cluster off. I just check the second part of the cable from the engine. But where is it?

[eage8]

it comes out of the firewall and goes into the transmission. it's near the heater core valve and the fuel filter.

it's the only thing that connects to the transmission that comes from the firewall that isn't the 2 shifter cables.

[Evo_lucian]

Which reminds me, i need to fix mine

[REN69]

it would be the only thick tube/wire going from the firewall to the transmission.

[Donald]

Pull the air intake flex tube out, and it is behind and below that.

[elchamo]

thanks a lot! btw i haven't ordered the part yet since I think is way too over priced + i'm not sure if that is really the problem. since it stopped working i googled some info and i was convinced that the cable was the issue. however, how do i check if its really that or something else inside the instrument cluster? and what am i supposed to expect once i take the cable out? thanks

[bcp477]

N

Originally Posted by elchamo

thanks a lot! btw i haven't ordered the part yet since I think is way too over priced + i'm not sure if that is really the problem. since it stopped working i googled some info and i was convinced that the cable was the issue. however, how do i check if its really that or something else inside the instrument cluster? and what am i supposed to expect once i take the cable out? thanks

It probably is the cable. Separate the two cable sections....and check for damage (usually, the short cable section...the lower part....gives out first). You can check the speedo by manually rotating the cable....and having a helper check to see that the speedo registers. If the upper section of the cable turns freely...and the speedo registers this....then it isn't the speedo.

You can easily pull a cable from a similar car, at a junkyard. Make sure to lube the cable periodically. This is easy. Just separate the two cable sections....and spray a thin lube into each one, letting it run down into the cable (bend the upper cable section up to allow the lube to run into the cable).

[REN69]

it's the cable, change it.

[elchamo]

so the cable from any other 4afe would work? what about some other corollas?

[PsychoAssasin]

Hey dont mean to bring this thread back but my speedometer just started to jitter and im suspecting that the cable needs to be re lubed or replaced(hopefully not). Ive found where the 2 cables join between to firewall and tranny, but after taking it apart i cant seem to pull the cables from the sleeves. The one running into the firewall seems to be caught, and the one running to the tranny i just cant get a grip on since its a recessed female connector.

I was just wondering how i can get the 2 cables out so i can inspect and or clean them. Im just hoping i dont have to disconnect it from the dash and tranny as that will be quite a big job. Oh and i have a 4a-ge and not an sr5 like the op. Thanks for your help

[Donald]

Originally Posted by PsychoAssasin

Hey dont mean to bring this thread back but my speedometer just started to jitter and im suspecting that the cable needs to be re lubed or replaced(hopefully not). Ive found where the 2 cables join between to firewall and tranny, but after taking it apart i cant seem to pull the cables from the sleeves. The one running into the firewall seems to be caught, and the one running to the tranny i just cant get a grip on since its a recessed female connector.

I was just wondering how i can get the 2 cables out so i can inspect and or clean them. Im just hoping i dont have to disconnect it from the dash and tranny as that will be quite a big job. Oh and i have a 4a-ge and not an sr5 like the op. Thanks for your help

The one to the firewall should come out, but I don't think the one to the tranny does.
Pull the knurl knob at the tranny too and take the entire cable out. Grip the lower end with yur fingers and turn it to see if the top piece turns too. If it does, than hold it up-side-down and put a few drops of oil on it while you turn it to work the oil in. It is easier to geet the oil in from the bottom.

The top cable not wanting to come out probably meand that the inner cable is unwinding inside the sheath and binding up, snd that could be the cause of your "jitter"

To pull the top cable, you will need to take the gage cluster out.

[barthmonster]

I was at napaonline and it shows an upper and lower neither is super expensive 20 to 30 each I guess. I think I'll order the lower mine crapped-out 3 days ago.... Was working smooth and just fine before that...

[barthmonster]

Originally Posted by bcp477

N


It probably is the cable. Separate the two cable sections....and check for damage (usually, the short cable section...the lower part....gives out first). You can check the speedo by manually rotating the cable....and having a helper check to see that the speedo registers. If the upper section of the cable turns freely...and the speedo registers this....then it isn't the speedo.

You can easily pull a cable from a similar car, at a junkyard. Make sure to lube the cable periodically. This is easy. Just separate the two cable sections....and spray a thin lube into each one, letting it run down into the cable (bend the upper cable section up to allow the lube to run into the cable).

Note : NAPA (and maybe everyone else too) calls the 'short' section by the trans the UPPER cable, and the long-section that goes thru the firewall and connects onto the speedometer is their LOWER cable. Read the lengths if you buy from napaonline, the 12" one is out on my car and I'll be returning the longer cable for the shorter one, dangnabbit ! Engineers !! I know the trans is 'lower' in the car than the speedo I just know it !!