[Stonehenge]

The speedo and odometer on my truck went dead the other day. Was just driving around, got on the highway, then >poof< it went to zero and that was it. Odometer stopped clocking mileage, too.

This is a 93 no frills Chev pickup, 212,000 miles. I had a peek underneath the rear wheels to see where there might be something that would take the measurements needed for speed and distance, but couldn't see anything but hydraulic lines.

Any tips on what I should be looking for?

[agla]

There is a small cable that goes into the transmission from your dash board (at least there was back in the day). It has most likely broken. They usually act a little funky for a while before they actually break. I have not replaced one, but I believe it is pretty simple.

[Pelican]

Agla is right, but on some trucks it goes to the transfer case if a 4x4 model, check both places.

They are pretty simple to replace, the hardest trick is figuring out how they are secured to the back of the speedometer. Most of them are set up with a spring loaded like clip that you squeeze to release. You usually can't pull the speedometer out enough to see and have to work by feel. Make sure you follow the original path with the new cable, if you vary it and come up with a sharper bend anywhere, the cable will last only a short time.

Most times you'll get a little warning, the speedo needle will bounce erratically a short time before it breaks. Note: there are universal replacement cables that slide in the original sheath available, but I'd recommend against them. The broken cable usually damages the inside of the sheath and the new cable will fail in a short time.

[Stonehenge]

Thanks for the help - mine is a 2WD, so I'll have a look this afternoon.

Thanks!

[leadarrows]

If it has cruse control you will have two separate cables. One from the dash to the control box and one from the control box too the transmission. If your lucky it's the lower one. Ether way the cable is the most likely the culprit but there is a small plastic gear in the tyranny that can sheer off a tooth or two and be the problem as well.

[Stonehenge]

Thankfully, no cruise control on this one.

[Stonehenge]

The cable everyone is speaking of - is this a cable similar to a clutch cable or parking brake cable? Or is it a pair of wires inside a black plastic, corrugated sleeve?

[Pelican]

It would more resemble the parking brake cable. It's a woven cable inside a plastic covered sheath, and usually has a fitting on the end to attach it to the tranny. There should be either a small gear attached or the end should be stamped square to drive the speedo.