Speedometer Problems???

[vinnie1543]

I have a 1996 Sable and all of a sudden not too long ago the speedometer started acting up. When I first start the car and take off the speedometer will either not read anything at all or it will jump around. After driving for approx. 10-15 min. it usually settles down and seems to work fine. It doesn't act up the same every time either. Some days I can drive to or from work and it won't act up at all, other times it will start out working fine and then after I drive it for a few minutes then it will start going crazy. Every once in awhile the car will jerk pretty good like it's either shifting back into a lower gear or missing in a big way. I don't know if these are the results of the same problem or if I have 2 different problems. I am not quite automotive illiterate but I'm no Mr. Goodwrench either. I guess if it's a fairly simple fix I'd like to take care of it myself and save a few $$$, but I don't have a clue as to what would being causing any of this either. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

[reekor]

Change the speed sensor

Originally Posted by vinnie1543

I have a 1996 Sable and all of a sudden not too long ago the speedometer started acting up. When I first start the car and take off the speedometer will either not read anything at all or it will jump around. After driving for approx. 10-15 min. it usually settles down and seems to work fine. It doesn't act up the same every time either. Some days I can drive to or from work and it won't act up at all, other times it will start out working fine and then after I drive it for a few minutes then it will start going crazy. Every once in awhile the car will jerk pretty good like it's either shifting back into a lower gear or missing in a big way. I don't know if these are the results of the same problem or if I have 2 different problems. I am not quite automotive illiterate but I'm no Mr. Goodwrench either. I guess if it's a fairly simple fix I'd like to take care of it myself and save a few $$$, but I don't have a clue as to what would being causing any of this either. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

[khoist]

Does the power steering go out too? I am having a similar problem with my 1998 sable. It only does it once in a while, but when it does the power steering does too, and the sevice engine soon light comes on. Not too experienced with these newer integrated systems.