Questions and Answers

Mitsubishi 3000GT Jumpy Speedometer Q. I have a problem with the speedometer reading in a 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT. The speedometer jumps from 40 mph to 80 mph then back to 60. Sometimes when you let off of the accelerator it will jump to 125 then come back down. It seems pretty normal up to 40 mph. Could it be that the cable needs replacing, just needs lubrication, or something more serious? Thanks, Steve

A. It does sound like a bad speedometer cable to me. You can try lubricating it to see if it helps, and sometimes it does. But chances are you will have to replace it.

Some speedometer cables will have a removable insert. Disconnect the speedometer cable at the transmission and pull the insert. If it comes out, there may be moderate resistance, clean it with mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Then put a glob of Vaseline® in your hand and pass the speedometer insert through the Vaseline as you feed it back into the speedometer cable housing. Once it's completely in reattach it to the transmission and drive it.

If it stops jumping, you done. If not, you'll have to replace the speedometer cable. The Speedometer Cable Assembly, part number MB604758, is $33.60 at the Mitsubishi dealer.