If your speedometer is giving you an incorrect reading, sticking, fluttering, or just not working, it is time to get it repaired or calibrated. If you want to tackle this task on your own, here is a quick guide on how to do so, whether you have a mechanical or an electric speedometer.
If you have a mechanical speedometer, start by opening the vehicle’s hood and locate the transmission. Next, unscrew the speedometer cable and unscrew the bolt holding the gear housing cover. After removing the plate, you will see two gears. Count the number of teeth the gears have and remember it for later. Next, get the diameter of the tire and divide 20,168 by the tire’s diameter. This is the tire’s revolutions per mile. Multiply this by the number of teeth your gears have and multiply again by the vehicle’s axle ratio (which can be found in the vehicles supporting documents). Purchase the necessary driven gear for your vehicle. Remove the old driven gear by pulling it out of its clips and clip in the new driven gear. Secure the gear housing cover and the speedometer cable back.
If you have an electric speedometer you would start by determining the distance of the test drive you would need to recalibrate your speedometer, which can be found in the vehicles supporting documents. Press and hold the calibration button located on the speedometer, start the vehicle and then release the button. Press that button again and then take the test drive. Once you have driven the distance needed, press the button once more and the speedometer will calibrate itself to accommodate the new tire size.
If you are unsure of how to do this properly and/or safely or just want someone else to do it, you can rely on the professionals at Safety Restore to get the job done. Safety Restore is a speedometer repair shop that specializes in your vehicles Supplemental Restraint System. The speedometer repair cost is only $118.99! Visit SafetyRestore.com for more information on how they can help you get back on the road safely.