So the speedometer cable in my car is catching probably broke. the speedometer reads zero except when I go over 80 then it just hovers at some wrong lower speed. some times it wont even do that. Mazdatrix lists the cable as NLA. Will a second gen cable work. what are my options?

thanks,

 

I don't know if a second get cable would work, I'd imagine the only difference would be the actual length. I know most speedometer cables are very similar among Mazda of the era. You might try looking at a local you-pull-it junkyard, it's not a hard part to remove or install, and I doubt it'd be expensive.

 

That is what I was thinking. Unfortunately. none of the junk yards around have any RX or other Mazdas of the era.

 

Make sure the cable end is snapped into the back of the speedometer properly. You can reach up under the dash and behind the speedometer to feel for it. It just pushes on and snaps into place. I assume you've already checked the end that screws onto the tranny.

 

Tranny end is tight. Can it be over tightened?

 

FC cable is the same, except longer (probably, ive never actually compared).

i'll second the make sure its plugged in, they like to pop out

 

If the cable turns out to be connected to the speedometer under the dash the next thing to look at are the speedometer gears in the transmission tails shaft. They are made of plastic and can wear out. Pull out the driven gear - the one on the end of the speedometer cable and inspect it. It should be straight, no missing teeth and not worn in the middle. The drive gear - the one on the tail shaft - should also not feel worn and should not slip on the shaft.

A speedometer shop can make you a new cable and housing to length to fit your car. Google Speedometer shops.