Speedo questions on Western Star

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Hibred, Dec 26, 2008.

  1. Hibred

    Hibred Light Load Member

    64
    5
    Jan 10, 2008
    Canada
    0
    We have a 1994 Western Star 4964 model i believe and the speedometor works intermitently, sometimes it will jump the needle all over the place right from 0 all the way to 80 and sometimes it settles down but most of the time it doesn't work at all, just wondering what to look at and where to look and whats your best guess that i am needing to replace, repair or whatever, and what kind of cost would i be looking at, thanks for all your help. We just bought this truck in the summer, what a dirty mess the cab was, we spent 2 days just cleaning it up, the cab paint was in really nice shape as is the frame, no pitting on the frame at all, paint was 8 out of 10 as was the cab paint just really greased up in the cab and especially the floor, has an N14 Cummins at 430 hp, 18spd transmission, air ride cab and Newway air ride, all aluminum wheels and 11R24 Michelins, 75% or better, wet line and plastic fenders, for the age its better then some 2000 models, mileage is low too from what the computer said, under 350,000 miles all for $10,000 Canadian so i don't mind spending a little more on it, again thanks for any replies and help. I am pretty sure its a mechanical type speedo, left that out before.
     

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  3. droy

    droy Heavy Load Member

    828
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    Jun 11, 2008
    Iowa, LA
    0
    Don't know anything about a WS, and you didn't mention if your speedo was mechanical, or electric. Couple of things come to mind would be to check the ground at the speedo, if electric, and the sensor on the bellhousing. A simple cleaning, and tightening of the ground, and/or cleaning of the sensor may be all it needs.
     
  4. Otter

    Otter Light Load Member

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    Mar 16, 2008
    Milton, VT.
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    Try adjusting the depth of the sending unit at the rear of the transmission, loosen the jam nut, turn the sensor in until it stops, and back it out a half turn, then tighten the jam nut.
     
  5. 12 Wyoming

    12 Wyoming Light Load Member

    80
    13
    Apr 20, 2008
    Kemmerer, Wyoming
    0
    Looks like a nice truck Hibred. The speedo was replaced on my 99 Star before I bought it last year, but I could'nt tell you anything about it. Call your Star dealer and have them give you the info.

    If the above suggestions don't work, it may need replaced.

    I've done some fixing up on mine as well, and get a lot of compliments.

    Enjoy it, you got it for a real decent price!
     
  6. Bigstretch

    Bigstretch Light Load Member

    161
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    Jun 14, 2008
    NW IL
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    Wish I could help bud.

    If the other suggestions don't take of it, you might need to replace the speedo head.

    If mechanical, could be the cable needs lubed or replaced, but I'm guessing yours is electrical. Could have oil in the magnetic pick up, broken wire, corroded connector.............
     
  7. special-k

    special-k Road Train Member

    1,515
    3,236
    Dec 27, 2008
    Southern Ontario Canada
    0
    This is one of those times where its worth the money to go to a dealer. Probably a speed sensor on the back of the trans. But they have the wiring diagram to check it to the ECM (if you have one) before just buying parts you don't need. I suffered with mine for months.. Took it into Pete they had it repaired in an hour. Broken wire between the ECM and the sensor.
     
  8. Hibred

    Hibred Light Load Member

    64
    5
    Jan 10, 2008
    Canada
    0
    I will take it in to the dealer in the spring time when its on the road again, really appreciate all your help, there sure are alot of knowledgable folks here, thanks to you all.
     
  9. madmax1869

    madmax1869 Bobtail Member

    18
    2
    Dec 31, 2008
    Fresno,ca
    0
    If it's electronic check the ground
     
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