Why my speedometer is not working

When speed sensors fail, they will typically cause the Check Engine light to come on, indicating that there is an issue. When the fuse for your speedometer stops working, it can cause the speedometer to drop to zero. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report outlining the reason the speedometer stopped and the cost of any repairs that need to be made.

If the mechanic believes that the speed sensor has failed, he or she will get underneath the vehicle to find the exact location of the sensor. While under the vehicle, the mechanic will examine both the sensor itself and the corresponding wires for any superficial damage to the unit. The mechanic will then remove the old speed sensor and install the new one. If the mechanic believes that a fuse or bad wire has caused the speedometer to stop working, he or she will begin by examining the fuse to check if it has been blown.

If so, the mechanic will replace the fuse. The mechanic will also examine the wires running from the speedometer to the speed sensor to see if they have been damaged in any way. Because resetting the unit may just be a temporary fix, replacing the ECU is the only way to ensure that it works properly. This will allow the new ECU to turn on and begin the process of managing vehicle systems. When the vehicle is turned on, it should be begin adjusting systems to run optimally.

Before leaving, the mechanic will test drive the vehicle to ensure that all systems are working properly and the speedometer has resumed functionality. By not knowing your speed, you may put yourself at increased risk for citation by police officers.

Being unable to determine speed could also increase the potential for an accident. You should stop driving a vehicle with a non-functioning speedometer until it can be checked by a mechanic.

With YourMechanic you can skip the auto shop altogether. They send certified and screened mechanics straight to your door and enable you to save big on car repair and maintenance.

However, doing so is not recommended. Without an alternative solution at the ready, you will be unable to recognize the speed at which your vehicle is traveling. This is not only dangerous but significantly increases the risk of being cited by law enforcement for a moving violation.

Simply put, you are highly unlikely to get out of a speeding ticket just because your speedometer is not working. In any event, a malfunctioning speedometer should be addressed at the first available opportunity.

All modern smartphones are GPS enabled. As a result, your phone is able to accurately chart its own location, as well as its speed of travel. A number of inquisitive individuals have seized upon this knowledge, by developing speed-tracking apps.

Many other similar apps free and paid exist that accomplish the same purpose. However, motorists should be cautioned that apps of this nature are not always completely accurate. This cost also varies, between that associated with DIY repair, and repair at a shop or other repair facility. Re-calibrating the sensors or repairing the wires will solve the issue. Faulty readings. The speedometer shows wrong readings because it is calibrated to the dimensions of the factory-fitted tires.

The speedometers in modern vehicles use speed sensors to calculate the speed while the older models make use of gears and wires for the same purpose. A speedometer may stop working due to a bad sensor. Plus, the affected cruise control can disrupt the driving functions of the car. Any problem with the sensor will make the Check Engine light to come on. It monitors and controls multiple engine activities, including speed. Another reason for the car speedometer not working is a bad wire.

The wires can short out for many reasons, causing the fuse to blow out and stopping the operation of the speedometer. It mainly happens in older cars. Depending on the type, there is only one repair solution for a bad speedometer — replacing either the speed sensor or the wiring. With proper knowledge about the mechanism of a motor vehicle, you can carry out the repair job at your garage. DID YOU KNOW: Early speedometers had two gauges: one for the driver, which was located on the dashboard, and a larger, exterior gauge on the front side of the vehicle so the police could read your travelling speed.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of speedometers: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical speedometers have been around since and are based on the designs of Otto Schulze. Electronic speedometers are a relatively recent invention and appeared during the 90s. Mechanical speedometers are often called eddy-current speedometers because they use magnetic eddy currents to display the speed of your car.

Mechanical speedometers are analog devices that attach directly to the transmission shaft of the vehicle. The drive cable is wrapped around the transmission shaft and holds the mandrel inside. As the shaft rotates, the mandrel starts to rotate as well. The other end of the drive cable is attached to a spiral gear. This gear rotates with the mandrel, and is attached to the permanent magnet, which itself rests within the speedcup.

As the magnet rotates, it creates a rotating magnetic field.