It's a weird occourance, I can't figure out exactly when it happens, but every once in a while (too often for comfort) the speedometer needle will just stay at 40MPH, I have to either tap the panel cover (over the speedometer) or drop down to about 20MPH for it to move and get un-stuck.

This is an odd problem. the only things I can think of is there is a component somewhere broken, or a lose connection? I am confused.

I know it's not getting stuck on the plastic covering the gague panel because at times it will 'jolt' back and forth right before it sticks at 40.

i.e. really fast it will go 36, 42, 40. (when I'm staying at constant speed). I think it only happens when I'm going 30(ish) to 50(ish) mph.

Thanks

Do you have a mechanical or electronic dash. I assume its electronic. I that case its probably flaking out. If it is mechanical it could just be the sending cable wearing out.

Well. by electronic what do you mean?
It has a digital trip-meter and such, but I don't know about the speedometer. if it is flaking out... what exactly is doing the flaking out? and by the cable being loose, do you mean the speedometer cable that sticks into the back of the pannel?

Thanks.

An electronic one will have a speed sending unit in the tranny.
A mechanical one will have a cable running to the unit.
If that cable is failing it coulbe causing the problem. I'd take it out and make sure it spins freely. Lube it while its out.
If that's not the problem it could be as simple as a gear or spring inside, but that is not an easy fix.

Originally posted by jaypride
If that's not the problem it could be as simple as a gear or spring inside, but that is not an easy fix.

as in inside the speedometer unit? or the transmission?
and if it's the speedometer, can I just replace that? or do I have to replace the whole instrument pannel?

A '98 should have an electronically driven speedo/odo so it won't be a cable issue. A bad sending unit would cause erratic readings or intermittent operation but isn't capable of producing the symptoms you're having. The problem would have to be a mechanical condition within the speedo unit itself.

Originally posted by mulder
The problem would have to be a mechanical condition within the speedo unit itself.

so the problem is most likely on the dash side of things (as opposed to the transmission side)

well that should be easi(er) to fix I suppose. thanks

Andrew...just kick it =)

I'll just go with the "Officer I swear it said I was going 40!" :p

I'll pull off the dash tonight and take a look at it.

not to totally hijack your thread, but I think I'm getting out of this crappy ticket I got on the island. and it goes off of a quote I pulled from this board... when stuck behind somone driving 10mph below the posted limit, road goes dotted yellow...do you pass them at the posted speed limit or get out of the oncoming lane as fast as possible? But...when you pass that person and somone else IMMEIDATELY passes them and pulls up on your bumper...do you slow down immediately or do you wait to see what that person is going to do?

In my case, the person who pulled up right on my ass was a cop...but it was foggy, I had the rear mirror flipped...rear window was fogging up (even with the defogger on) I saw just the headlights...was slowly eliminating various fords off of my list, then before it finally clicked, the lights came on.

*shrug*

Edit: It was also 12:30am on a sunday

if it were me, you'd hang ;) but that's only because it's you. I'd say go for extenuating circumstances. you can't say they DIDN'T clock you at whatever speed it was (I forget) but you can say there were other factors involved.

PS. if all hell breaks loose... can I have your car :D

can I have your car :Donly if you can get ahold of a copper CVTC adapter hose and can close your trunk lid...then maybe...