Speedometer/RPM Gauges Going Nuts!

[bigred56k]

Well I was on my way to work today I noticed that my speedometer had stoped working. Then futher on my way the tack was triping out too. I have just recently installed the reverse indgo white face gauges also, and thought that they were stiking up a little bit and causing the speedometer not to move but i looked closer and seen that there is space between the speedometer needle an the gauge face. This was 2 weeks ago when they were installed. So I did a search on "speedometer" and found a little that referances too the problem. I seen some stuff that deals witht the ABS unit getting messed up and causing the speedometer to go crazy after certain speeds. Is this the same problem? I drive a 97 with 130,000 miles on it. Any information would be great.

Thanks,
Tony

 

[MilTownSHO]

When I had my 97 it would do that occasionally when the alternator was dying.

From how it was explained to me the car starts to shut off everything it doesn't need to keep the car running.

 

[bigred56k]

When I had my 97 it would do that occasionally when the alternator was dying.

From how it was explained to me the car starts to shut off everything it doesn't need to keep the car running.

So should I just assume that it is the alternator?

 

[wood_e]

Never assume with cars. Have your charging system checked. Any local parts place should be able to do that for you.

 

[NebraskaSHO]

My speedo quit working when I blew a radio fuse out during the radio/faceplate debacle. That was weird having all the other gauges work but the speedometer.

Now if it feels like it it wants too it will quit working for less than a second. Doesnt happen that often and usually only if it has rained, or if its humid out. I'll have to dig into it some more to figure out what is wrong. Not the tach though, that is indeed strange.

 

[99V8SHO]

I always thought the tach was the first to go when the electrical system was on the fritz. I have noticed that sometimes when I stop my speedo will kinda jitter a bit, like it's having a siezure then goes away as soon as I start moving again. When I have the dash lights dimmed all the way the football will turn off completely (intermitently, radio and CC still functioning). Also my battery light flashes at WOT and over hard bumps. These are just some of the symptoms of sick electrical systems. Yes my alternator needs to be replaced. Stupid NAPA crap alternators.

 

[bigred56k]

So when I was on my way home form work last night it worded fine! Also worked fine the rest of the day. but again on my way in to work today it didn't want to work. The tach worked at above 4K but then once i let off it stuck at like 3.... So idk what to do 1st??? I think that it is hunted!

 

[99V8SHO]

I'm pretty sure it's your gauges.

 

[roland]

I get that problem too comes and goes, but usually around, almost positive it's the guages that need to be taped or glued a little tighter to the old ones.

 

[socialdeviat]

My 94 ATX just had a bummed alternator, Pegged at 15.6V (supposed to be around 14-14.75) replaced that the battery light went away, but now my Speedo is dead, Works at times above a certain RPM, but what could cause this? Speed Sensor? Fuses? I will go through my wiring diagram book as soon as I can find it but what do you guys think it could be.

 

[wuzzzer]

You might have more help if you posted the question in the Gen 2 section.