Is your speedometer not working? Have you been trying to fix it but you get nowhere with the repairs? We have the information you need that can help you now!
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
What Is A Speedometer?
A speedometer is a component in the car, that displays the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.
In many cars and vehicles, the speedometer is a circular gauge that one can’t miss. It’s generally directly in front of the driver’s view. The speedometer also has an array of numbers that are arranged around the gauge. There is also a long indicator needle that goes back and forth, to indicate the speed at which the driver is traveling.
The smaller numbers on a speedometer are located at the bottom of the gauge. They display the driver’s climb in speed. Lots of speedometers have two rows of numbers. Each indicates the speed in both kilometers per hour and miles per hour.
What are Some Common Reasons That My Speedometer Is Broken?
There are many reasons that could cause a speedometer not to work. The most common reasons do involve an electrical issue or even a problem with the speed sensor. Both issues can affect other areas of your vehicle -that are outside of your speedometer. Let’s examine some of the most common reasons that your speedometer fails to work.
Problems with the ECU
The ECU which stands for the Engine Control Unit is a center for lots of engine activities. Another way to think of the ECU is the brain of the car. Your ECU helps to monitor and control lots of activities of the engine- including your vehicle’s speed. So, your ECU may give incorrect readings if there is an issue with the ECU.
Problematic Wiring Or A Fuse
Another reason for the vehicle speedometer to not work, is a bad fuse or a bad wire. Lots of times, a wire can simply short. Sometimes, this results in a fire or a fuse that is blown. This is a problem for older cars.
Broken Speed Sensor
A speed sensor serves lots of purposes including indicating and displaying the speed of the vehicle, helping to regulate the fuel and flow, regulating the ignition timing, and helping to operate the vehicle’s cruise control. A speed sensor that has collapsed, may stop your speedometer from operating. You may also take note that your vehicle is not running as it should. There is even a chance that your “check engine light” may illuminate, alongside your malfunctioning speedometer.
We all know that sometimes technology can be both a blessing or curse. Sometimes, computer issues can cause a speedometer not to work. You may be enduring a vehicle that has had some water damage, or even some electrical short somewhere. Regardless of the issue, you never want to operate car without a working speedometer.
Should I Fix My Speedometer Myself?
If you notice that your vehicle’s speedometer doesn’t seem to give you an accurate reading or is not working at all, then you have an issue on your hands that a mechanic may need to remedy- unless you are a mechanic. Many times, it takes a change of wiring or computer components, to fix a speedometer. So, if you are equipped to handle this, then go for it. Otherwise, you need to visit a trusted mechanic for a proper fix of your faulty speedometer. The sensors of your speedometer may need to be re-calibrated. So, you may need to visit an auto shop for this fix.
Having a properly calibrated speedometer is vital as you drive on the roads. Aspects such as tire wear, tire temperature, tire pressure, vehicle load, tire diameter, wear and tear of the tires, and even differential gearing can all affect the readings that a speedometer offers. For just about all of the issues that prevent a speedometer from working properly, you may need the assistance of a mechanic to help you.
Can I Still Drive My Car If Speedometer Isn’t Working?
A vehicle with a speedometer isn’t working can be quite unpractical as well as quite unsafe Therefore, we here at Cash Cars Buyer don’t recommend operating a car with a speedometer not working. When you don’t know your speed, then you put yourself at a greater risk at getting a ticket or citation by local police. You really won’t have much of a leg to stand on, as you attempt to fight the charge of speeding, because you don’t have a working speedometer. Additionally, not being able to determine your speed,
also increases your potential for a vehicle accident. You shouldn’t drive a vehicle with a malfunctioning speedometer, till you can get into a car shop for a speedometer repair.
How Does A Mechanic Or An Auto Professional Check A Speedometer Not Working?
Check out the general and standard process a mechanic will use to remedy a speedometer not working.
Usage of a Scanner
First, an auto professional or a mechanic will begin the examining the vehicle with a code scanner or reader so that any error codes can be revealed and read. The mechanic will also check to see if the “check engine light” is on. The auto professional will connect to the vehicle’s ECU so that he or she will have a better understand of what vehicle components have failed.
Going Underneath the Vehicle To Check out Failures
If your auto professional has reason to believe that the speed sensor is experiencing any kind of failure, she or he will go underneath the vehicle and locate the precise location of the sensor- as well as any adjoined wires. The mechanic is on the hunt for any kind of superficial damage to the component. The mechanic will then take off the old speed sensor and install a new one.
Examination Of The Fuse
If the mechanic believes that a bad wire or a fuse is to blame for the malfunctioning speedometer then he or she will perform a thorough exam of the fuse to see if it is blown-and if it is, there will be a replacement fuse installed. Your auto professional will also look at all of the wires that run from the speed sensor to the speedometer- and check for any damage.
Replacement of the ECU
Should there be an issue with the ECU, the auto tech will replace it. A simple reset of it may not work when it comes to getting the speedometer to function properly and may serve as a temporary fix.
Once the mechanic installs a new ECU, she or he will take the key and turn it to the “Auxiliary” position. This will give the new ECU to turn, and begin its process of vehicle system management. Once the vehicle is turned on, it should begin to make proper adjustments so that it can offer optimum performance to the driver.
Clearing of Any Trouble Codes
With all repairs, including that of a malfunctioning speedometer, the auto tech will clear out any trouble codes that may have been created due to the ECU’s code scanner. Before sending you on your way, you and your mechanic will probably take a test drive of the car, to ensure that you have a properly-functioning speedometer. Before leaving, you and your mechanic will take a test drive the vehicle to ensuring that you have a working speedometer as well as working components surrounding the speedometer.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Speedometer Not Working?
The cost to fix your speedometer that isn’t working, will depend on the make and model of your car. Generally, repairs to a speedometer can run between $200 and $500, depending on the amount of time and energy of the repair. Your speedometer repair may be covered under warranty. So, it may be to your benefit to take it to your dealership for a repair that will cost you nothing. If you do have the skills to fix it yourself, then you are looking at a repair that is a lot lower in cost.
What Kinds Of Speedometers Are There?
There are two kinds of speedometers: mechanical and electronic. While the electronic speedometer is actually a pretty new invention, the first ever all-electronic speedometer didn't arrive on the automotive scene till 1993.
What If I Want To Sell My Car With The Speedometer Not Working?
You can sell that vehicle with the non-working speedometer to Cash Cars Buyer. We purchase all makes and models, at fair market value. We also offer a host of other FREE services, that will put money in your hands, fast! No need to find a junk yard, or a scrap yard, and try to get a dollar here or there. Just click here to obtain a FREE online offer on your vehicle.
Will I Get Paid On the Spot?
Cash Cars Buyer is a top junk car buyer for many reasons- among them is instant payment! Once we come out to appraise your car, we will validate your information, and then pay you on right then and there. We operate with no games, scams or schemes. Just ask us about our credentials. We are a licensed, bonded and insured car buyer, with only your best interest at heart- and money in our pockets for your unwanted car!
How Do I Begin the Process?
Begin the process of selling your car by clicking here. Then, call us so that we can make you a guaranteed cash offer on your car FAST. Once you approve your offer, we will ask you the best day and time to come to your home or location, evaluate your car, and then pay you on the spot!
We make selling that car with the broken speedometer and other issues- fast, quick and easy. So, instead of dealing with the rest, why not deal with the best- Cash Cars Buyer? Click here to turn that clunker into cash, FAST!