BluePatrician

Newbie here with an 88' GXL. My speedo and odometer don't read, and checking the fuses I didnt see a fuse for the speedo or instruments. What would the culprit be? Is there a busted cable?

If that's the case, would it be easier just to order a new gauge?

Thanks guys!

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Your speedo/odometer are cable driven and that's going to be the most likely culprit.

I'd say the simplest diagnostic path would be to jack up the car and get to the transmission where the cable is driven. If there is nothing immediately obvious- like the cable has unscrewed itself- you can unscrew it yourself and twist the cable end.
If the cable is intact and properly connected at the rear of the gauge cluster, the speedo should jump a bit as you twist the cable.
Now you know if the cable itself is OK (or not) and still connected to the cluster.
If all this checks out, the next step is to look at the speedo drive, located on the trans and held in place with one 6mm bolt. Remove the bolt and pull out the drive, which is a plastic gear.

It's all fairly simple and straightforward.

BluePatrician

Thanks for the advice. Once I get a moment I'll have to add it to the list of scheduled maintenance. C: