5 Common Reasons Why Your Car’s Speedometer Is Not Working

Owning a car is highly beneficial because you can go anywhere without the issues associated with public transportation. However, it’s also a responsibility to ensure your vehicle is performing in optimal condition. Of course, this applies to the biggest components to the tiniest parts because they all work together to make the car work. The speedometer is no exception.

The speedometer is a device that measures and displays the speed of a vehicle. It is usually located in the instrument panel, near the driver’s side. If the speedometer is not working, it can be perilous because the driver cannot tell how fast they are going. This can lead to speeding and accidents. There are a few reasons why a speedometer may not work, which many people often don’t know about. These include:

#1 – Faulty Speed Sensor

The speed sensor is a small device located on the transmission. It is responsible for sending the speed information to the speedometer. If this sensor is not working correctly, the speedometer will not work. This is the most common reason for a speedometer not working. The speed sensor can deteriorate over time due to normal wear and tear, but it can also be damaged by debris or other objects.

#2 – Damaged Speed Sensor Wiring

The speed sensor wiring can also become damaged, preventing the speed information from being sent to the speedometer. This is often caused by animals chewing on the wires, but it can also be caused by corrosion or other damage.

#3 – Damaged Speedometer Cable

The speedometer cable is what connects the speedometer to the transmission. If this cable is damaged, the speedometer will not work. The speedometer cable can become damaged over time due to normal wear and tear, but it can also be damaged by debris or other objects.

#4 – Compromised Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster displays your dash’s speedometer, odometer, and other gauges. If this cluster is damaged, it will not be able to show the correct information. The instrument cluster can be damaged by several things, including a bad car accident, a faulty electrical connection, or even a manufacturing defect.

#5 – Failing Electronic Control Unit

The electronic control unit (ECU) is the brain of your car’s electrical system. It controls everything from your car’s engine to its airbags. If the ECU is damaged, it can cause all sorts of problems, including engine misfires, stalling, and even complete engine failure.

Can You Drive with a Faulty Speedometer?

Technically, you can drive your car even if it has a faulty speedometer. However, doing so isn’t recommended because you won’t be able to accurately gauge your speed, which could lead to getting pulled over or getting into an accident.

Additionally, a faulty speedometer is also an indication that there may be other problems with your car’s electrical system. So, it’s best to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Repairing Your Speedometer

If your speedometer is broken, the best thing to do is to take your car to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem. The speedometer often needs to be calibrated, or the speed sensor needs to be replaced, which you can’t do unless you have the proper tools and knowledge.

When hiring a mechanic, you should consider the following factors:

Experience

The last thing you want is to hire a mechanic who doesn’t know what they’re doing. The best way to ensure that you’re hiring a reputable mechanic is to ask your friends and family for recommendations. You can also look for reviews online.

Warranty

A mechanic should always offer a warranty on their work. This will protect you in case something goes wrong with the repairs.

Cost

Above all else, the price of a mechanic’s services should be worth your money. Since mechanics can charge a wide range of prices, you should always get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done. Comparing prices is also recommended to ensure you get the best deal.

Conclusion

A car’s speedometer is essential, so you must get it fixed if it’s experiencing issues. The speedometer ensures you’re driving within the speed limit, so you don’t want to go without it. For this reason, you should always take your car to a qualified mechanic to have the speedometer repaired.

Muritronix provides top-quality services for speedometer correction. Our professional technicians will ensure your car is in excellent working condition, all for affordable prices. Visit our website today to request a quote!