Speedometer problem

lwrlead · October 31, 2005

Hello,

I own a 2004 GMC Sierra extra-cab with approximately 54,000 miles on it. Just recently, my speedometer has not been working correctly. It does not show the correct MPH in that it's showing a speed too slow than I am actually traveling. I'll be driving around 60 mph, and it will only show 35-40 mph. Anyway, this seemed to all start when it got cold outside. First time this happend, it had been a really cold night and there was a heavy frost that morning. Speedometer did not register correctly. After traveling for some time and the truck nice and warm, I came to a stop light where I came to a complete stop. Once I started driving again, the speedometer seemed to correct itself and work fine for the rest of the drive. However, this morning the speedometer was not registering right on my way to work again. Right now with the key off, the needle is actually pointing below the 0 mph mark. Is this a problem with the cluster or cable or what??

Thanks

GM-Tech · October 31, 2005

Speedometers haven't been cable driven since... well, it's been so long I don't remember when. In the 80's some time.

We have a fair share of problems with the stepper motor for the speedometer. I'd say that's your problem. That means the cluster needs to be sent out for repairs.

team3-8 · November 14, 2005

My 2003 Silverado LT with 35,000 miles just started the same thing yesterday (Sat. 11/12). Cold out (36F) in morning when I went out. Moved up scale like the second hand on a clock. "Ticky" instead of smooth. Went to 90mph when I knew I was only going 70 after using tach for speed reference. Stopped and restarted and it stayed at 90 and started up to 120. Stopped and restarted again this time started out at 60 and kept going up. Started and restarted again and this time it never moved. Started and restarted again and worked close to actual speed but still "Ticky". Is this an "I can fix" thing or back to the dealer. Glad it's happening now cause I'm seriosly considering having a temp gauge installed and refaced. If I take it to the dealer can you guesstimate how long this may take??? Any info will be appreciated.

GM-Tech · November 14, 2005

This is nothing you can fix unless you want to take the cluster out and send it out for repairs. That's what the dealer will do too. Actually, they may get an exchange unit, but same thing. It'd be at least two days in the shop. First day to get it in and diagnose and order the cluster. The cluster is then sent overnight and they should get it to put in the next day.

That's the typical procedure here.