97 regal LS jumpy speedometer needle

Hey there

yes the speedometer needle is jumpy especially from 60-80km/h. 97 Regal LS 166kms. I noticed it today driving home from work. Never had a problem with it. I did have the RPM.oil life left cluster display (in LED) burn out a year ago.

The car runs beautifully I just would like to know what is causing the speedo needle to hesitate and go up and down between the numbers like that?

Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I would say you have a bad VSS (vehicle speed sensor). As you increase in speed, the signal frequency increases, and the sensor starts to malfunction.

Was the driver information center part of the Instrument Panel (IP) ever repaired? Most likely a problem within the IP especially if you have no driveability problems. The speedometer gets it's signal from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) after it is processed by the PCM module. But with no other issues the IP sounds logical to me.

BTW - The 97-98 models are notorious for various IP issues.

Was the driver information center part of the Instrument Panel (IP) ever repaired? Most likely a problem within the IP especially if you have no driveability problems. The speedometer gets it's signal from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) after it is processed by the PCM module. But with no other issues the IP sounds logical to me.

BTW - The 97-98 models are notorious for various IP issues.

no the driver info center part was never repaired. The mechanic told me it uses an led bulb and not worth taking apart the entire dash area to change it. It would be nice for it to work like it did before with rmp readouts and the oil life monitor.

So today for the first time in a long time my Regal stalled way home from work after a red light before hitting around 30km and second while turning into local store. The ABS light briefly stayed on, but after I bought something and came out it was gone within 15 minutes. No check engine light.

If it is the vehicle speed sensor, is this a big job to have done to correct the jumpy speedometer needle? Also is there somewhere you can suggest online where I can get this part? thanks again...

The best thing to do is get is scanned and see what DTCs are stored. The stall out doesn't sound good. Are you sure you're not getting a misfire condition? How is the cruise control working. It uses the VSS via the PCM module. VSS is also used for shifting.

We have a thread posted at the Buick Tips & Maintenance forum showing location. About a 30 minute job once the front passenger side is jacked up. Only one bolt holds it to the transaxle extension housing and simple two wire electrical connector.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=760735

The best thing to do is get is scanned and see what DTCs are stored. The stall out doesn't sound good. Are you sure you're not getting a misfire condition? How is the cruise control working. It uses the VSS via the PCM module. VSS is also used for shifting.

We have a thread posted at the Buick Tips & Maintenance forum showing location. About a 30 minute job once the front passenger side is jacked up. Only one bolt holds it to the transaxle extension housing and simple two wire electrical connector.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=760735

Thanks, bNaylor. Your quick help and response helps put me at ease a little more.

The car has been tuned up within the last 2 yrs. Never a misfire, only before when the ignition switch was acting up, eventually got it replaced. The cruise worked fine at 100km/h when I use it on the highway, green cruise light comes on ok. But since the needle refuses to go past 80km/h I havent had the chance to try out cruise at 100km. I plan on getting it scanned for DTC's like you menitioned above. I will let you know how it goes from there.

Thank you greatly again!

well got the car scanned today, and scanner found no DTC'S. Mechanic and I took it for a test drive, up to 100km, no problems, just the flickering needle!

He thinks it is either the Vechicle Speed Sensor (VSS) or the instrument dash panel.

I once had a broken gas gauge on an '88 bonneville, replaced the dash with a used one, and it worked like new again.)

I will drop the Buick off next week at the shop and from there I will post the updates.

Thanks again for the timely suggestions and feedback, Bob.