Topic: speedometer is wrong.

[darth_paul]

my speedometer has always been wrong.  I know what speed I am gong because I have a GPS and figured out the real speeds.  (ie 125 is 113, etc).  I have the right size tires on.  got some new ones last year.  Tread is good. 

Question is, can it be corrected?

Also, the tachometer is out.  It is probable run of the same cable.

1987 Mazda 323
1.6l, carborator
380,000 kms
1 l oil/4 weeks

Thanks

Paul

[si]

doing things legit, you are hooped for now, but the problem can be corrected; little gears do the winding.

What I would suggest is for you to go to the highway with a friend's new-ish car and tell them to go, say 100kph and you to follow and compare.


Also do you have aftermarket wheels?

[wing]

On car of that vintage and mileage, I would be glad it ran at all

[articsteve]

Don't rely on GPS for accurate vehicle speed.

[wing]

I wouldn't rely on it solely but mine is as close as close can be.  I've tried in numerous cars and it is pretty much bang on in all of them.

[barrie1]

There is a little plastic gear in the side of the tranny which may be getting worn out over the miles. They go by colour usually for the size of rear tires or drive wheels which ever they may be on a vehicle. The cable in between can also become stretched a bit over the years as well. In the dash the little gears that mesh with the cable end can also be worn quite badly. Any and all of these will contribute to a incorrect speed on the dash. As long as you know when the correct speed limits are in the city and highway you should be alright with this problem. I wouldn't waste any sleep or money on repairing this at all.

[darth_paul]

It is definatly wrong.  passed a "You are going..." radar sign the other day and it was accurate to what the gps gave me.  Also, when I go by one of those distance markers by AMA (alberta motor assoc.) I am out by about .2 to .3 kms over 5 kms. 

Tires are fairly new, the right size.  I checked with the door plate. 

I am glad that it still runs.  I have been nice to it.  regular oil changes, tune ups, etc. 

I need a beater car for work.  I use a lot of gravel roads going from first nation school to the next.  lot of paint and glass chips! 

Paul

[barrie1]

Sounds like this Car is serving you well and with the regular oil changes will continue to do so. Thats the secret to a long life for any make or model of vehicle. Hopefully it will see you thru School and for a while after that as well.