Speedometer Issues

I have a 1996 Ford Escort with about 70,000 miles on it. I have been having some problems with my speedometer. Sometimes when I am driving down the highway the needle spikes really high and then goes back and forth for a while. Also, when this happens I hear a scratching sound, almost like a fuzzy channel on a TV or something. Does anybody know what this could be?

The problem is the speedometer cable. It gets stuck and winds up in the housing. Then when it releases the speedometer spikes. To a lesser degree it makes the needle go back and forth. The problem is worse where it gets really cold. The grease gets thick in the cable housing and causes the speedometer cable to oscillate and spike. It can be pulled out from the back of the gauge cluster. A new cable can be put in and lubed with white grease which isn't affected by cold weather. It's a job to get it out because the gauge cluster has to be pulled which means the steering wheel has to come off.

The steering wheel doesn't have to come off. The steering column has to be lowered by removing the bolts that hold it up under the dash. A fairly easy job. Then the instrument cluster can be pulled out.

[QUOTE=jeffreyhess]The steering wheel doesn't have to come off. The steering column has to be lowered by removing the bolts that hold it up under the dash. A fairly easy job. Then the instrument cluster can be pulled out.[/QUOTE

I checked it out and this is an easer way of doing it even though the service manual says to take the steering wheel off. I stand corrected. This man is right.

[QUOTE=jeffreyhess]The steering wheel doesn't have to come off. The steering column has to be lowered by removing the bolts that hold it up under the dash. A fairly easy job. Then the instrument cluster can be pulled out.[/QUOTE

I checked it out and this is an easer way of doing it even though the service manual says to take the steering wheel off. I stand corrected. This man is right.

I have the Ford Factory Service Manual on CD and in that, it says to lower the steering column.

Give it a rest.

I'm having the same problem, of course mine also extends to the speedo being off by about 5mph, any idea where to get the info on tire size and specs to fix this problem?

It's a 94 5-speed, but anyway, a few different answers in different posts, in this case can the existing cable be lubed or does it have to be replaced with a new one that is factory lubed with the correct type of lube? Just trying to be sure.

Also, I went through pulling the cluster loose to change the gauge lights, and wondered if I could have done something when I reconnected the cable in the process, are there any obvious or subtle pitfalls when dealing the speedo connection on the back of the speedometer?

Thanks.

when i tried pulling out my gauge cluster it only comes out a few inches and stops, the spedo cable or one or more wires seems to be holding it in, how would i go about removing the cluster?

sorry for the double post here, but i found the tire stuff on my own, and i know, should've looked first. got the wrong tires on it by 8mm.

found a cable at autozone and it's weird, online brings up a carried part, calling the store doesn't though, so I've found a 125" cable, is that the right length for a 1994 LX? also, it looks to come with a pin of some kind and what looks like a clip of some kind. This car is a daily driver for work and i need to have no downtime if possible, so i'm trying to get all the answers i can befoer i start taking things apart.

Thanks again.

when i changed out my lights there were a few wiring harnesses to unhook, then it came out just fine in addition to unhooking the speedo cable and the tach i believe was electric, been a couple of years, can't remember for sure about the tach.

It wont come out far enough to un hook anything, there is about an inch left between the edge of the dash and the cover of the cluster.

yeah well you can't see anything before you unhook it all, I had to fish my hand back in there from under the dash and feel my way around.

I cant quite fit my hand up through the dash, tried it a while back, Im thinking about taking the whole uper dash apart and try that, Its just a matter of having the time to do it during the day.

I should also tell you I only managed to get my hand in with the steering column dropped, the four bolts under the dash, made a BIG difference

I said screw it and bought one of those 3 LED spot light deals that sticks to where ever you want, and put that in front of my gauges. for 8 bucks it saves a lot of hastle. Once I get my escort back from the shop with a new clutch Im gonna focus on my 240sx, so I'm not to worried bout this issue or the escort too much anymore. Just need to get the 240sx running now.

when I was changing the dash lights on my 94, I had to un hook the spedo cable from the trans, and that gave me enough slack to pull the cluster forward.
Tony

Where is that at on the tranny?

the speedo cable is right on top of the tranny... just look for the dark cable that leads into the firewall.

So there is no difference between the auto and manual tranny?

The tranny may be different, but the speedo cable isn't. Just locate it at the firewall and see where it leads. Can't go wrong.

Have 96 escort with same speedo problem: however, not mechanically inclined. Any rough estimate to have the cable replaced at a local shop? Thanks for reply.

For the cable and housing about $200.