speedometer was working, now nothing

[anoblefox]

After 309k miles the speedo was jumping wildly and lubing it this time did nothing. Ordered a new cable and installed and now no indication at all, either MPH or miles traveled. Could the fatal problem be at the transfer case end; is the gear nylon or plastic and broken? I guess I could hook up a drill motor to the transfer case end of the cable and have someone check for any indication. I need some inexpensive advice on how to determine the proper procedure to proceed!

 

[jckkys]

Your drill idea, is what I would try.

 

[chuckji]

Yep, drill idea would be my next step to isolate the problem.

 

[chuckji]

Plus, you’d be able to inspect the gear when you pull the cable out of the transfer case.

 

[anoblefox]

Well, DUH! Today I walked by the cart with tools from speedo cable change and I noticed something that I overlooked. Yep, right there on the end of the old cable was the gear that I failed to change over. No wonder. I know that I am getting old, but this is ridiculous! In my defense, I had a heck of a time getting the cable end through the firewall because there have been added wiring due to the fuel injection, then trouble making the connection at the rear of the speedo. I did the transfer case last and was spent physically and was rushing to complete the job to beat the heat of the day.

 

[chuckji]

it happens to everyone at some point. At least you found the issue and it’s an easy fix.
If this happened to me, I probably would have already thrown out the old cable, with the gear still attached, and would be tearing down the transfer case wondering how that thing fell off inside there...