Chevy Speedometer Not Working [What To Do]

Chevy Speedometer Not Working

 

If your Chevy speedometer isn't working, there are a few things that could be causing the problem. ISS Automotive offers expert-built Chevy Speedometer Instrument Clusters and Repairs.

If you are unsure if it's the cluster then we recommend going to a local repair shop so that they can test your vehicle to confirm.

Click here to find your Chevy Instrument Cluster >

 

What would cause the speedometer to stop working?

Here is a list of common issues and the top problems tend to be a failure with the gauge or instrument cluster:

  1. Needle Stepper Motors
  2. Gauge
  3. Failing Dash Electronics
  4. Calibration
  5. Wiring
  6. Speed Sensors
  7. Sensor
  8. Power
  9. Grounding

The most common reason the speedometer becomes inoperative is a broken instrument cluster and faulty stepper motors. The stepper motor is a small electrical motor that moves the needle on the speedometer to indicate your vehicle's speed. Speedometers can also malfunction due to a bad connection between the gauge and the vehicle's speed sensor or due to a problem with the speed sensor itself.

Speed sensors can also go out resulting in the same problem. This will make it difficult to know the actual speed or current speed. You will also notice other gauges are not working. You will want to check for bad ECU in GM Vehicles along with speed sensors and stepper motors.

In our experience, starting with the instrument cluster is typically where the problems start.

How do you fix a Chevy speedometer?

If you have diagnosed that your Chevy speedometer is not working because of a faulty instrument cluster, the best way to fix the problem is to replace the entire cluster. This will ensure that all of the gauges in the cluster are working correctly and that you won't have any more problems down the road.

Can you reset the Chevy Silverado speedometer?

If the Chevy Silverado speedometer is not working, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it. The first thing you should do is check the fuses and replace any that are blown. Another common problem with speedometers in these vehicles is a bad voltage regulator. If you have a voltmeter, you can test the voltage going to the speedometer to see if that is the problem. If it is, you can replace it.

The third problem you may have is with the vehicle speed sensor, especially if these two problems did not fix your speedometer. With this problem, your speedometer will only work when you are going slower than 20 to 25 miles per hour. You can replace the sensor if you have not already done so.

Another problem you may have is the cable could be broken, which will need replacement to fix this issue.

Resetting the Chevy Silverado speedometer can be a daunting task, but it is not impossible. If you have tried all of the above and your speedometer still does not work, you have a couple of options. You can go to a Chevy dealer and have them reset it for you or try an auto parts store.

If you choose the latter, they will test your speedometer before resetting it. This is an added expense but could be worth it since you do not have to drive a long distance to the dealership.

One way or another you should be able to reset the Chevy Silverado speedometer.

Click here to read: Instrument Cluster Upgrade [Expert Guide] >

What are the symptoms of a bad Chevy instrument panel?

An instrument panel is a set of gauges and meters installed in a Chevy. This panel usually contains the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and engine temperature gauge. If any of these instruments stop working, it could be a sign that the instrument panel is bad.

Symptoms of a bad instrument panel may include:

  • The speedometer problem - The speedometer works intermittently or erratically, registers the wrong speed, or the needle bounces or vibrates.
  • Check engine light or service engine soon light on - If your check engine light or service engine soon light comes on, it means that the computer has detected a problem with the engine.
  • Gauge cluster acting up - One of the gauges not working, such as the fuel gauge or speedometer, could indicate a problem with the instrument panel cluster.
  • Stepper motor - A stepper motor is the device that drives the gauges on the instrument panel. If this motor fails, it can cause the gauges to stop working.
  • Panel fuse - If the instrument panel fuse is blown, it can cause all the gauges on the instrument panel to stop working.
  • Wiring harness - The instrument panel wiring harness can become damaged, which can cause the gauges on the instrument panel to stop working

Instrument Cluster Replacement

If your Chevy instrument cluster isn't working, you may need to have it replaced. This is a relatively easy process and can be done by most do-it-yourselfers.

The first step is to remove the cluster from the dashboard. There are a few screws that need to be removed and then the cluster can be pulled out.

The next step is to remove the cover. This is done by gently prying it loose and unplugging the wiring harnesses attached to it.

There are four screws holding the cluster together. Be careful when removing them so as not to damage the LCD display.

The final step is to unplug the four connector plugs and remove the cluster.

Installation is basically the reverse of removal. Make sure that all the plugs are plugged in securely and that the screws are tight. You may also want to test the cluster before putting the cover back on to make sure everything works correctly.

Replacing a Chevy instrument cluster isn't difficult and will save you the cost of having a mechanic do it.

Where can I purchase an instrument cluster replacement?

An instrument cluster replacement can be purchased at most Chevrolet dealerships. You will likely need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) to the dealership in order to ensure that you are purchasing the correct replacement part.

The cost of a replacement instrument cluster will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $600 for a new cluster.

Click here to read: Instrument Cluster Upgrade [Expert Guide] >

What are common failures with Chevy instrument clusters?

It is very common for the Chevy Silverado instrument cluster to stop working properly. Many of these problems are related to the instrument cluster lighting as well as milage not being displayed.

A common issue with Chevy THM200-4R transmissions is that the speedometer will not work. This is usually due to a bad sensor on the transmission, and can often be resolved by replacing the sensor.

There are also a number of problems that can occur with Chevy fuel gauges. One common issue is that the gauge will read inaccurately, often reading past the "F" before stopping at the halfway point.

This can be caused by a faulty fuel sending unit. If these are replaced, the gauge should read accurately again.

Sometimes the needle of the speedometer will drop down to zero or even below. This can be caused by a faulty instrument cluster, and all gauges on the instrument cluster will quit working as well.

Sometimes simple battery disconnection will fix this issue. If that does not work, the instrument cluster will likely need to be replaced.

There are also a number of problems that can cause the odometer to stop working. A common issue with Chevy instrument clusters is that the odometer will work, but not display all of the digits.

This is usually caused by a bad ribbon cable and can be fixed by replacing the cable. If the entire cluster is not working, it will likely need to be replaced.

How do I reset my Chevy speedometer?

If your Chevy speedometer isn't working, you may be able to reset it yourself. First, try turning the car off and on again. If that doesn't work, here's how to reset the speedometer.

  • Turn your car off and wait a couple of minutes.
  • Turn your car back on and put it in gear.
  • Press the gas pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there for a few seconds.
  • Release the gas pedal and turn your car off again.
  • Turn your car back on and check to see if the speedometer is working now.
  • If it's still not working, you may need to take your car to a mechanic to have it fixed.

Can a blown fuse cause the speedometer not to work?

There are a few things that could cause the speedometer not to work in your Chevy, but a blown fuse is one of the most common.

To check the fuse, you'll need a multimeter and a test light. The test light is an electrical tool that plugs into your multimeter and has a lightbulb on the end.

First, find the fuse box. It will be in the engine compartment or under the dash. Then, using the multimeter, test each fuse to see if it's blown.

If you find a blown fuse, replace it with one that has the same amperage as listed on the fuse. Keep an eye on your speedometer as you drive; if it's still not working, it may be a bigger problem.

If you're not sure how to use a multimeter or test light, take your car to a mechanic.

How do I fix my speedometer not working?

There could be a few reasons why your speedometer isn't working. One reason may be that the sensor on your car has gone bad. This will require you to purchase a new one and then attach it yourself. Another possibility is that your speedometer cable has popped out of place (you'll need to reattach it). And finally, there could be an issue with the electrical wiring of your vehicle. Your best bet is to check these things before taking your car to a mechanic.

Vehicle speed sensor VSS

A vehicle speed sensor is a small device located in your car's transmission and sends the vehicle's speed to the instrument cluster. It is also known as a speedometer sensor.

Where can I locate the speed sensor?

The speed sensor or pick-up coil is located on the rear axle. When the vehicle is moving, this unit sends a signal to the speedometer about the speed of the vehicle.

The axle gear is made of teeth that have a magnet attached to it. It creates an electromagnetic field. When the vehicle is moving, the spinning axle gear passes by the magnetic field and induces an electric current. The current then goes to the speedometer, which calculates how fast the car is going.

If you are experiencing problems with your speedometer, it is likely that the sensor on the axle is not working properly. You may need to replace it.

How do I know if the speed sensor is bad?

There are a few ways to tell if the speed sensor is bad. One way is to check the reading on the speedometer. If it is constantly reading zero or doing strange things, it is likely that the sensor is bad. You may also want to check for DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) to see if the speed sensor is throwing any error codes. You can do this by plugging a scanner into your OBD-II port.

Another way to test the sensor is to disconnect it and try to start the car. If the car starts, then you know the sensor is bad.

How to fix a vehicle speed sensor?

A vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is a device connected to the drive shaft of a vehicle that sends out a signal to the speedometer, indicating the speed of the vehicle. If this device is not working, your speedometer will not function, and you will not be able to accurately gauge your speed while driving. There are a few ways to fix this issue.

Step 1 - Get a Replacement Sensor

The first thing you'll need to do is make sure the VSS is actually bad. Thankfully, this is a relatively easy process. Simply unplug the sensor and take it to a parts store. They will be able to test it for you and tell you if it's bad or not. If so, they will be able to give you a replacement.

Step 2 - Clean the Sensor

If the sensor checks out okay, it could be a matter of cleaning the connections. Use a wire brush to clean around the wiring harness and inspect for any breaks in the wiring. If you find a break, solder it back together. If not, try testing the VSS again.

Step 3 - Check the Wire Harness

If there are no breaks in the wiring, then it's possible that either the wire harness to the vehicle is damaged or there is a problem with the vehicle's computer. In either case, you'll need to take the car to a mechanic to have it looked at. If it turns out that the wire harness is damaged, they may need to replace the entire wiring harness before the speedometer starts working again. If there is a problem with the computer, they can simply reprogram it. Either way, this will be an expensive fix and may not be worth it if the vehicle is too old.

Step 4 - Replace the Vehicle Computer

If you've tried everything else on this list and your speedometer is still not working, the only thing left to do is replace the vehicle computer. This is a more expensive and involved fix and is generally only needed on older vehicles.

You can usually find a new computer online, but you'll need the make and model of your car to find one that matches. This can be a little tricky, so make sure you have your records handy or do some online research before you buy one.

Once you've got a new computer, you'll need to take it to a mechanic to have it installed. This is not a job most people can do on their own, so you'll need to find a mechanic with experience in this sort of repair. It may take some doing to find the right one, but it will be worth it in the end.

This is a pretty accurate explanation of the problem.

What is cruise control?

Cruise control (CC) is a system used in automobiles to help you maintain a constant speed. It can be helpful in maintaining an efficient speed while driving on the highway.

The system uses a sensor to measure your speed and then sends a signal to the throttle to maintain that speed. The throttle is basically a valve that controls the amount of air entering the engine.

Cruise control can be used in conjunction with your car's braking system to maintain your speed even when going down a hill.

How does it work?

The cruise control system has three basic parts: the throttle, the speed sensor, and the cruise control unit itself.

The throttle is in constant communication with the cruise control unit. When you apply the throttle, the cruise control unit sends a signal to the throttle to maintain that speed.

The speed sensor is a device that measures your car's speed. It sends a signal to the cruise control unit, and it is constantly communicating with the throttle. When you press on the accelerator, the cruise control unit will send a signal to the throttle to increase the speed. When you let off the accelerator, it will send a signal to the throttle to decrease the speed.

The cruise control unit is in charge of monitoring your speed. It will send signals to the throttle and the speed sensor.