How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Speedometer?
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We all know that our speedometer is there but, we don’t think about what to do if it suddenly stops working. We use it to keep track of our speed, knowing if we are going the legal speed limit, over, or under. Staying away from a traffic ticket is not the only reason why you should keep your speedometer running, also keeping yourself safe and avoiding going too fast.
How much does it cost to fix a speedometer and what are some reasons why your speedometer might not work? We’ll answer those questions and more down below. If you decide to try and fix your speedometer yourself, we have some pointers for you, though you should always check with a technician if it’s a serious issue.
Driving with a Broken Speedometer: Can you Do It?
If your speedometer isn’t working correctly, you can still drive your car. It won’t affect your ability to steer your car, stop, turn, or really anything else. Still, driving with a speedometer that doesn’t work is not recommended, for more reasons than one. Without the ability to properly gauge your speed, you could be at risk for:
- Driving too fast
- Driving too slow
- Getting a speeding ticket
- Putting others in danger on the road
Your ability to see how fast you’re going helps to keep you and other drivers on the road safe. Plus, if you’re speeding, you could get pulled over and possibly get a speeding ticket that you might not be able to talk yourself out of.
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What Causes a Broken Speedometer?
Your speedometer is connected to your car via sensors and wiring that make it function properly. Because there is a lot going on under the hood, there are many different reasons why your speedometer might not function properly. A few of the most common causes of a faulty speedometer include:
Speed Sensor Issues
Speed sensors are connected all around your car and are responsible for relaying information from multiple systems in your car. When something goes wrong with your speed sensor, your speedometer will start to fluctuate or give odd readings.
Speed sensors can be complex to diagnose but are simple to fix and generally caused by dust and debris making their way into tiny crevices.
Electrical Issues
Your speedometer is much more than a gauge that goes back and forth. Behind what you see when you drive, there’s a computer that’s connected by an electrical system.
This system passes signals here and there and controls the movement of your speedometer as you speed up and slow down.
Electric issues can come from circuits or fuses, so you’ll likely need the help of a pro to find and get to the bottom of that. Fixing electrical issues could require the complete replacement of your engine control module (ECM) or a small changing of one wire.
Fixing a Broken Speedometer
If your speedometer doesn’t seem to be working properly, you’ll have to take steps to find the issue.
Because there are so many different things that could affect your speedometer’s ability to move around and show you the correct speed, there are numerous ways you can fix your speedometer.
You might not be able to do this alone, relying on the help of a knowledgeable technician to give you an opinion.
They may use a diagnostic tool to test for faults in wires or electricity, or they could open up the hood and take a look at things from there.
While some issues are diagnosed quickly and repaired rapidly, others take further investigation to patch up completely.
For that reason, your speedometer may be something that takes the help of a technician and may cost you more than you bargained for if the issue involved wiring or mechanics.
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How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Speedometer?
With all the possible things that could go wrong, how much does it cost to fix a speedometer? For this question, there is not one single answer, as it depends on the issue.
For very minor issues like replacing the speedometer, you can expect to pay $25 to $40. If you’re doing this with a mechanic, they will usually charge you around $100 to $250.
Issues with your sensors or your actual speedometer do not cost much but, if the issue lies deeper and requires additional diagnostics, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400.
These prices are just an estimate and your particular case will be different depending on the issue. Plus, prices can vary by location, so it’s always good to shop around and ask around to get a better idea.
There are some improvements and repairs that you can make on your own but, when it comes to electrical wiring and complicated mechanics in your car, it’s always best to seek help from a professional that knows how to deal with faulty speedometers.
They will be able to give you a better idea about the issue and prevent further damages that could come from your fixing it on your own.
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Keep your Car in Driving Shape
As a driver, you need to respect those around you and keep your car in proper working condition. Part of that is repairing things that keep you safe on the road, like your speedometer. If you notice that it starts to run slow or doesn’t adjust when you speed up or slow down, you may need to take it over to your nearest dealer.
Driving with a faulty speedometer comes with a long list of complications and risks, including speeding tickets, unsafe driving, and more. When you’re on the road, you need to take proper care of your car and your driving, ensuring that you’re preventing yourself from harming yourself or others.
Diagnose the issue and get to the bottom of it so that you can drive safer and lower your risk of a ticket, an accident, or just driving recklessly due to your speed.
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