Speedometer cable removal

[schmiedel]

I have a 1988XJ with the standard instrument cluster, and I have one with tachometer which I'm pretending to install...

I just have no clue on how I should remove the cable from the old cluster without breaking the plastic that's attached to it. I could keep testing but I'm afraid I'll break something and get a mess.

Regards

 

[5-90]

As I recall (haven't done this in a little while, but I'll be doing it again soon...) there's a sort of Nylon "cage" on the back of the speedo, with two "uprights" between the cable body and the retaining ring. If you gently squeeze those two "uprights" (fingers only should be enough,) it should release the retaining ring and allow you to pull it free.

Perhaps someone can post pix? I don't have any on file (I need some...) and it would also help to reaffirm my own memory...

5-90

 

[schmiedel]

Well, I tried to press these but it just didn't get off. I could use a small screwdirver to try to unlock, but I'm afraid I'll break something. I understood that screws from the back of the cluster have to be removed, but it dowsn't seem right for me as everything seems to be connected from the outside.

 

[Pelican]

The first time I tried this ('85 -- assume yours is the same) I never did get it loose. I had to remove the cluster again several months ago and this time it came loose easily. Problem is I can't tell you exactly what I did but I believe that the trick is to get your finger behind the clip and pull out rather than pinch it in which would seem to be the logical way to unclip it. I may not have this exactly right, but will say that no extreme pressure or strong pull was required.

Good luck!

 

[schmiedel]

I got it loose, it was just a matter of pressing the nylon cage on the right place.

 

[schmiedel]

Now I have another issue, The cable must have gotten loose on the other end as it's not turning anymore when I drive (and it feels kind of loose). Where do I have to look for so I can reconnect everything properly?

 

[BillyBob]

You probably did not re-connect the cable to the speedometer head all the way............

 

[schmiedel]

No, I did, the problem is it got disconnected / broke on the other side as I can pull the cable out from the dashboard. As far as I've seen, I must be looking on the transfer case side to see what happened. Do you think it can be repaired if it broke or must I buy another cable?

 

[87manche]

You'll likely have to buy another cable, or go find on in the junkyard.

 

[schmiedel]

I found out what happened. This cluster is really difficulto to install if you don't have the experience. The cable was getting stuck somewhere and didn't make it to the transfer case on the other side.

Now I managed to get my hand into the space where the cable connects from behind (don't ask me how as I feel like I had to bend my arm 5 times) . Then I was able to get the cable properly adjusted.

I also disconnected it from the transfer case to make sure it ws getting there, so when I had everything where it should I reconnected to the transfer case and now it works.

Only downside is that my cable now has a small bend where the nylon connector is, so the speedometer bounces around a bit. However, I'll see if it goeas away after sitting in hot weather, else I'll get myself a new cable when I find it.

Thanks to all of you for the help.

Regards

 

[schmiedel]

I have one last question. My cable got stuck and now its over, I need a new one to replace the mess that was left (a bend in a cable is not a good thing to go with).

I found the following part number on RockAuto:

ATP Part # Y804
A.T.; w/208, 229 transfer case. cruise regulator or tach. {Speedometer Cable / OE# E2SZ9A820E} $8.87

¿Should this one be the right one?

Here's a picture to it:

 

[Tex-j]

I ran into a very similar problem when I replaced the instrument cluster in my 88-xj. I got the speedo undone but in the process of doing so broke the cable back where it meets the t-case. Come to find out there is a little bracket along the frame rail behind the driver's side tire, if you unbolt it you get about two extra inches of slack to work with wich means you don't have to be a contortionist to unplug your speedo. Now if only I had broken out my chiltons bforehand. Hopefuly this will save someone from make the same mistake I did.