1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

My speedometer on a 1986 K10 has never had any troubles until just today, when at 65 mph it just went to zero and won't budge. I looked up the part for the cable and it looks reasonable at just $20. But there was also a speed sensor shown for this year, so I'm curious if maybe the cable could be good and the speed sensor bad? does anyone know where the speed sensor is, or if it serves some other function? Also, how hard is it to replace the cable?
Thanks in advance for any advice, as I'm new to these years trucks. :ito:

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

pull the cable, probably see some frayed wires on one end or another... I am assuming it has a basic cable...

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

Okay, this is going to sound really stupid, but how do you get the cable off the dash cluster? I'm used to the 67-72 trucks that screw on both ends...

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

Looks like it just shoves on, I haven't pulled one so I can't say... I'd check the tranny/transfer case end and then pull the dash cluster... They are cheap as you stated,,,,


http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/ge.../03160-016.jpg

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

there should be a little clip doodad and the back of your cluster. it should be pretty self explanitory. just lift the tabs and pull it out

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

Trans end unscrews as you know. The dash end as stated above has a clip, BUT, you push the clip in (toward the cluster or speedo) you'll feel it give, DON'T pull it, you'll bust it off. If you have AC, pull the cluster, it's easier than removing all the AC stuff under the dash. If no AC, just slide you hand up the cable till you get to the back of the cluster. You'll feel the clip (the end you have to push in is on the bottom) push it in and pull the cable at the same time with the same hand. There is like NO room back there for 2 hands. Be patient and work it a bit, it'll come off. From here on you know the drill. Jim

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

Okay, thanks guys for the info. I decided to pull the cable from the transfer case first, and when I put a drill on that side of the cable the speedo worked!! So that must mean something isn't quite right in the transfer case speedometer gears. it got dark, so i'm going to see about pulling the little plastic gear in the morning. Anybody ever seen those little teeth inside the transfer case strip out??
Thanks again for the advice. :ito:

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

i have never seen it, but i have heard of it happening

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

Is there a small ratio box between the cable and the transfer case?

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

No, there's no ratio box. The cable just goes straight into the transfer case. I tried to pull the round like thing that the cable goes into out of the transfer case, but it is stuck something fierce, and there's not much to grab onto. Then I put a small screwdriver into the square drive gear that the cable slides into, and it seems tight, won't turn either way. So now I'm confused again :lol:. The local transmission shop wants $200 bucks to "pull the case and see what's wrong". But there must be some way to get the 1 1/2" round piece that the cable slide into out, right?? Any ideas? :ito:

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

Is there a bolt beside that area? you're gonna need to research a parts diagram for that Transfer case, is it a 203 or 208?

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

What I have done in the past is to use a wood dowl like you would use a chisel and drive the adapter in a bit, then try to rotate it a little by tapping on the bolsters for the retainer clip. Then grab it as close to the case as possible with water pump pliers and start jiggleing it until it pulls out. A little WD 40 will help. Jim

Re: 1986 K10 speedometer just stopped working
 

does it look like this?
http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/albu...5/DSC01420.jpg