Speedometer rests on 100...

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LivewireBlanco

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So the speedometer rests on 100 mph and goes up from there. Anyone had a similar issue and knows how to fix things? 1971 Dodge Dart.
 
So the speedometer rests on 100 mph and goes up from there.

First thing I would check is the cable, make sure it isn't sticking or has any sharp bends.

Mine was resting on 40, and by moving the cable a bit it dropped to zero.
 
Usually this is a problem in the head, where the flywheel is rubbing on the cage, because of the play in the bearings that has developed over the years. But as Badsport says, the cage can be distorted by a mis-routed cable, with the same result.
The needle has no direct connection to the cable. The needle is driven by magnetism.
 
Usually this is a problem in the head, where the flywheel is rubbing on the cage, because of the play in the bearings that has developed over the years. But as Badsport says, the cage can be distorted by a mis-routed cable, with the same result.
The needle has no direct connection to the cable. The needle is driven by magnetism.
So would a new cable fix this?

*edit* Reread that. So is my speedo shot?
 
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Is your gauge shot?
Not necessarily,re-read BadSports post
The cable could distort the cage enough to misalign the guts, try his advice and see if it drops. Or just disconnect the cable and see what happens.
If it still remains stuck, smack the top of the dashboard with your palm. If it still remains stuck...... and you cannot see the needle stuck on the dial or the clear face pressed down onto the needle, then I imagine you will have to remove the cluster for a look-see.
I have dinked around with those cages and tightened up the bearings in the past, with good results. Your results may vary. They are delicate, but not rocket-science.

Will a new cable fix this? I doubt it, and don't see how it could. A dry or kinked cable may wind up and then unload, making your needle jump up and down. So will a damaged drive pinion inside the tailhouse. But the cable cannot lock the needle to a new rest point...... unless as BadSport indicates.
 
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What have you changed lately?
Does the speedo sit at 0 when you're not driving?
Does the speedo needle bounce as it goes above 100 as you drive?
 
What have you changed lately?
Does the speedo sit at 0 when you're not driving?
Does the speedo needle bounce as it goes above 100 as you drive?
When I got the car it was on 100. I recently got it driving and it bounces up past the end of the gauge while driving then back to 100 when I stop.
 
Speedo has never rested on 0 as long as I've had it. It's now resting above 120. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet. Been dealing with sending unit and brakes. I'm going to reach up there behind the dash and see if I can disconnect and reconnect the cable.
 
Actually, you might only have to wiggle it, or push it a little further in from the firewall side. Read post #5
But if THAT doesn't work then try disconnecting it.
But I would just slap the top of the dash; if the needle drops, that pretty much proves the bearings are loose,the torsion-spring is broke, or the cage is heavily stressed or broke, or I suppose the speed cup is no longer round,or......... oh heck just take it out and look,lol.
 
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Actually, you might only have to wiggle it, or push it a little further in from the firewall side. Read post #5
But if THAT doesn't work then try disconnecting it.
But I would just slap the top of the dash; if the needle drops, that pretty much proves the bearings are loose,the torsion-spring is broke, or the cage is heavily stressed or broke, or I suppose the speed cup is no longer round,or......... oh heck just take it out and look,lol.
Ha! I'll try wiggling it. Only the ammeter works so the gauges will have to come out eventually!
 
Wiggled it and got it to come down to 60. I think the cable might be the problem but to be sure I think I'll pull the dash.
 
I'll probably have to say this again after another 100 post about the cable.

Pull the speedometer and have it serviced, clean, lubed, whatever they do.

Years ago I had problems with my speedometer, never even thought about the cable, pulled the speedometer and had North Hollywood Speedometer service it, problem solved.


Alan
 
Mine used to rest on 10 mph, tracked speed fine but read 10 mph high. When I pulled it apart there was a clock spring behind the needle pivot, rotated it with my fingernail now all’s good. Think it’s used for adjusting the “0” point as a needle stop.
 
Took out the speedo and here is what I found. The metal piece that the spring is held onto was making the speedometer rest at 60. I moved it to where it rests horizontally and now the gauge rests at 0. It seems that it needs something to keep that part from moving so the spring will return the needle to 0.

15325718165462050797957735575939.jpg
 
Took out the speedo and here is what I found. The metal piece that the spring is held onto was making the speedometer rest at 60. I moved it to where it rests horizontally and now the gauge rests at 0. It seems that it needs something to keep that part from moving so the spring will return the needle to 0.

View attachment 1715203387

Yep, thats what mine looked like, although not sure what that little o-ring is that's laying against the speedo drum. I adjusted mine so the needle was just off of the needle stop on the left. Hasn't moved since I did it a couple of months ago.
 
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