speedometer cable problem

rod123 · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:13 pm Post subject: speedometer cable problem

I disconnected my speedometer cable due to, Does anyone else have a fith gen with a really bouncy speedometer?? I have tried to get it back in after lube but it will not go in the last 1/2 inch. I am having trouble locating the cruise control module to remove cable at that end and try reconnecting. My book does not show location or routing of cable system.I know it is simple but it is fighting me all the way.

any help please...
Thanks

greywolf · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:34 pm Post subject:

If I recall correctly, the 5th gen has the cruise control pickup in the speedometer, and it's all electronic from there on. The speedometer cable runs directly to the speedometer.

beach10222 · Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:16 am Post subject: speedo cable

My 5th. gen. is an '85 model and the speedo cable runs from the trans. up to a unit on the left fender that has 2 wire terminals and vacumn hoses then a second cable runs from the unit thru the firewall and directly into the speedo head on the dash, if you can't find the unit at all it is possable it has been removed and replaced with a 1 piece cable. These units are prone to failure because the grease dries up after several years and the small gears strip out causing speedo failure. I relube mine wihe C.V. grease. If you have a defective unit and can't find a good used one, you may still find a rebuilt one at a local parts store.Good luck, Dave Johnson, owner and chief wet sander of Saturday Nite Hot Rods

ElkyPete · Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:57 pm Post subject:

If you determine that it is the Amplifyer (the part on the Driver side fender) then disconnect the cable going from the amplyfier to the Speedo and connect the amplyfier end to the transmission directly. It fits, a little tight, but it fits and no more bouncing speedo. Those old Cruise Control units were crap when they were new and nothing but the date has changed since then.
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rod123 · Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 7:30 pm Post subject: Thanks

My 85 elky does not have the unit on the fender. I will have to jack it up this weekend and do some more looking.
Thanks For the help

spoonplugger · Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 8:36 pm Post subject:

Does your 85 have a union in the speedo cable (cable comes apart at the union) just aft of the windshield washer bottle? If yes, did you open the union and pull the speedo cable out to lube it?
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86 caballero, 350 cid, TH350C

rod123 · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 6:15 pm Post subject: no union

I could not find any union. I pulled cable from speedometer side. It was quite long.

spoonplugger · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 11:38 pm Post subject:

I believe that means you have a one piece cable. The one with a union in it is a two piece cable. Then, there is another style that has a short cable going to the fender mounted cruise control module, and a longer one going to the tranny, etc, etc. Cannot understand why GM did not use one standard setup.

In your case, I THINK, but am not sure, that the end going into the transmission will fit only one way. I think you must rotate the cable while applying a continuous pushing force, to get the cable to go into the fitting at the tranny. You might be able to feel it "encounter" the slot as you slowly rotate it.
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86 caballero, 350 cid, TH350C