Is The Speedometer Not Functioning In Your Car? Know The Reasons And Solutions

A speedometer in a car helps you determine the appropriate speed limit in your car and gives you all the information needed to control the limit by staying in a safe pace. 

What do you think will happen if the speedometer malfunctions while you are driving? 

You will surely lose the idea of how fast or slow you are moving on the road and when to stop. This unawareness will nearly cause an accident on the road leaving everyone in danger. 

Hence, it is a must to always keep your car’s odometer intact and working perfectly fine while driving it. If you find something going off, you can immediately rush to the mechanic to get it fixed right away. 

A good thing is that the car’s odometer gives an indication when something going wrong with it. All you need to do is to understand those signs and find the solution accordingly. 

What are the signs of a damaged speedometer?

The ECU uses the data the speedometer receives from the driveshaft and transmission to calculate the vehicle's speed. 

When the speedometer malfunctions, it may be a sign of more serious problems with these parts. 

A broken speedometer may interfere with other vital systems in your car in addition to impairing your ability to keep an eye on your speed. When a speedometer stops showing any speed data, it is one of the most obvious signs that it is broken. 

Whereas, a broken speed sensor, a broken speedometer head, or deteriorating connecting cables, especially in older cars, could cause this. An illuminated check engine light is another indicator to look out for. 

The speedometer may behave erratically and issue warning signals if the ECU misinterprets speed data due to a malfunctioning sensor. 

Furthermore, you can notice abrupt changes in speedometer readings, which could be caused by bad wiring or problems with sensor calibration. you can get the cheapest cars in Uganada and theri prices will vary depending on the condition of speedometer.

Speedometers are calibrated using factory-fitted tyres, therefore if you have changed your tyres to a size greater than the manufacturer's recommendations, this could also result in erroneous speed readings.

Here are the signs of the damaged speedometer

Depending on the type of vehicle, speedometers might use mechanical gears and wires or electronic speed sensors. 

Any interference with these elements may cause speed readings to be erroneous or nonexistent. 

The first step to a successful repair is determining the issue's underlying cause. One of the main reasons for speedometer failure is a broken speed sensor. 

This sensor is involved in fuel regulation and cruise control in addition to determining the vehicle's speed. Multiple driving tasks may be jeopardized by a malfunctioning speed sensor, which could affect system efficiency and engine performance. 

Whereas, the speedometer's capacity to show precise readings may be impacted by issues with the ECU. Since the ECU serves as the main processor for a number of engine operations, a system malfunction could lead to inaccurate speed readings. 

Another possible cause, especially in older cars, is bad wiring or a blown fuse. 

Over time, wiring deterioration may result in short circuits that deny the speedometer the data it needs.

First, Know the problem

Performing a diagnostic check can assist in determining the cause of your speedometer's malfunction. 

Error codes contained in the vehicle's ECU are usually retrieved by mechanics using a code reader. These codes are useful for identifying particular problems with the speedometer and related parts.

A bi-directional scan tool can also be used by a qualified technician to look for possible issues in the instrument cluster. 

This procedure enables them to determine whether the speedometer or another component of the system is the source of the issue. It is important to look into the root reason before trying repairs because a lit check engine light frequently signals a sensor or wiring issue.

Now, repair the malfunctioned speedometer

Repairing a faulty speedometer can be accomplished in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. 

The most typical fixes include swapping out a broken speed sensor, fixing wiring issues, or even replacing the ECU completely.

Finding the speed sensor's location within the car and looking for obvious damage are the first steps to take if it has failed. Normal speedometer operation is typically restored by swapping out a malfunctioning sensor with a new one. 

If a blown fuse or poor wiring is the cause of the problem, the impacted parts must be inspected and replaced. 

Inaccurate readings or a total loss of functioning may result from worn-out wiring that interferes with the speed sensor's and speedometer's connection. 

An ECU replacement can be necessary in more serious situations. Resetting the ECU can fix problems for the time being, but to guarantee long-term dependability, a broken unit might need to be completely replaced.

Last, Test and verify the speedometer

It is essential to test the car when the required repairs are finished to make sure the speedometer is operating properly. 

During a test drive, you may see if the speedometer is giving correct readings and whether other associated systems, such cruise control, are functioning as intended. 

Furthermore, removing any fault codes that may have been recorded in the ECU guarantees that the car won't keep generating false alarms.

Driver safety, legal compliance, and general vehicle efficiency all depend on a functional speedometer. 

Timely diagnosis and repair are essential to preserving peak performance while driving, regardless of how complicated the problem is, from changing a fuse to installing a new ECU.

Wind up

Reduced vehicle performance, safety hazards, and legal repercussions can result from a malfunctioning speedometer. 

A smooth and safe driving experience can be ensured by determining the root of the problem early on and taking the required action to resolve it. Your car may remain in top shape and avoid speedometer breakdowns with routine maintenance, recurring diagnostics, and timely repairs. 

You can stay safe and make sure your car is always roadworthy by being alert and taking swift care of any speedometer-related problems.