Going above or below speed limits can result in fines. All around the globe, specific roads and highways have speed limits to ensure road safety. To keep the speed limit in check, a car’s speedometer plays the most important role. Drivers can see their car’s speed and ensure it’s not above or below the limit. However, like many other car components, a speedometer can also encounter problems. Getting these problems fixed at the earliest is the best option.
We will go through some common reasons for the car speedometer not working along with some solutions for fixing the issues.
Reasons Car Speedometer Not Working and How to Fix Them
The car speedometer holds paramount importance in more ways than one, therefore it is essential to ensure its maintenance at all times. Generally, all cars have one of the two types of speedometers – an analogue speedometer or a digital one. Either way, it is important to keep a check on the signs of any kind of malfunction.
That said, let’s now go through some common causes of car speedometer not working and how to fix them.
DAMAGED OR WORN-OUT SPEEDOMETER CABLE
This can be a common issue with analogue speedometers. The older speedometer types have a cable that transmits data to the speedo unit. A dysfunctional or worn-out cable will fail to do so.
HOW TO FIX
This is rather easy to fix as drivers need to determine the condition of the cable. Check for any signs of damage on the speedometer cable. However, in some cases the cable may be hard to reach and you may need to take the vehicle to a professional for determining and fixing the issue.
FAULTY SPEED SENSOR
Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced components such as a GPS speedometer among others. Digital speedometers use sensors for transmitting speed information to the system. Any fault in the sensor may also cause a speedometer to malfunction.
Additionally, a faulty speed sensor may cause problems in Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control system and cruise control. This also triggers the engine check or gauge light in a vehicle.
HOW TO FIX
A failing sensor gives out error codes that may be hard to interpret if you are not a professional. Moreover, a faulty sensor in most cases cannot be cleaned or repaired and needs to be replaced. If you come across any symptom of a failing sensor, get it replaced at the earliest.
FAULTY OR DAMAGED WIRING
Damaged wiring can also be a reason for a car speedometer not working properly. Poor installation, damaged wiring and rodent infestation can all lead to these issues. Additionally, a worn-out wire may cause a malfunction in the different types of car sensors and affect the other wires.
All this can lead to a dysfunctional speedometer or in some cases, the instrument cluster may reflect incorrect data.
HOW TO FIX
Thoroughly inspect the system’s wiring and look for any unplugged or damaged wires. Watch out for corrosion or worn-out wires as they may be the cause of these issues. Once located, clean the wires or replace them as per the need.
INADEQUATE TRANSMISSION FLUID
Low or inadequate car transmission fluid can also lead to a speedometer malfunction. Inadequate fluids can result in transmission problems such as wrong gear or erratic shifts and may give out incorrect readings. On the other hand, low transmission fluids may cause damage to car components including the speedometer.
HOW TO FIX
If the transmission fluid is below the level, refilling it can do the job just fine. Moreover, refilling helps remove any debris that may have found its way into the fluid. Inspect the transmission fluid levels and check its quality, and refill it if need be to fix the problem. There are ways to check transmission fluid without dipstick that can come in handy in this regrad.
FAULTY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
A faulty car instrument cluster may also be the reason for the car speedometer not working. The instrument cluster contains the odometer, speedometer and warning lights. Any faults in the cluster wiring or sensors may result in a compromised instrument cluster.
HOW TO FIX
If the issue is wire or sensor-related, replacing or repairing the components may do the job. However, if the instrument cluster has run its course, it needs to be replaced as a whole. This would require professional aid and the replacement can also cause a fair amount of money.
COMPROMISED ECU
For a malfunctioning car speedometer, the problem could very well be associated with the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Although a rear happening, if you are unable to detect the problem, it is a wise move to check the ECU.
HOW TO FIX
The ECU is a complex system and it is best to have the issue checked by a professional. Fixing or replacing the ECU is also costly and time-consuming. Take your vehicle to a service centre for getting the issue fixed.
These are all the car speedometer problems and fixes you need to know. A speedometer plays an integral part in ensuring driver and road safety. It also helps drivers keep track of vehicle speed as under or overspeeding can result in fines.
The aforementioned information can help you identify and fix all speedometer-related issues. For instance, you can identify the symptoms of bad vehicle sensors and several others in your vehicles and fix them. Additionally, it is important to know about the UAE speed limits to avoid getting in conflict with the law.
If your car’s speedometer encounters frequent speedometer issues, it is a viable option to go for a vehicle change. Pre-owned vehicles can be a budget-friendly option in this regard. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and have your pick from a wide variety of vehicles listed.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for information about fixing common car issues and more.
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