How to Replace a Speedometer Cable in a 1995 Sable

It's very rare that you find something on a remotely modern car that one might call "easy to replace." Fuses, yes; maybe the odd relay, and probably the air freshener. But speedometer cable replacement generally falls somewhere between "installing a catalytic converter" and "sawing off your own foot." But, fortunately, the Sable -- and its Taurus cousin -- offer a DIY speedometer cable replacement that won't leave you wishing you'd just done the latter instead.

Instructions

1

Look under the driver-side dashboard, directly beneath the speedometer. You'll see a thick, gray cable leading upward from the firewall, through a hole in the steering column support bracket and behind the dashboard. You may have to contort yourself somewhat, and use your third hand to hold a flashlight, but follow the speedo cable from the firewall behind the dash. In this case, you'll find it easiest to put the seat all the way back, lay on your back on the floor and rest your head on the brake pedal.

2

Follow the cable with your fingers when you lose sight of it behind the dash; you likely wont be able to see where it connects to the speedometer, but you'll be able to feel the cable and the locking tab that secures it to the back of the speedometer. Press down on the thumb latch, and pull the cable out of the speedometer housing.

3

Go into the engine compartment, and locate the gray speedometer cable where it comes out of the firewall. Follow it to the transaxle; you'll see another quick-disconnect. Press the release lever, and wiggle the cable out of the speed sensor on the transaxle. Head back inside the car, and pull the cable through the firewall from inside.

4

Reverse the steps to install the new cable. The hardest part here will be finding the back of the speedometer without a cable to follow, and routing the cable through the column support bracket. But take your time, and feel your way through. When you plug the ends of the cable back in, do it with a twisting motion so that the cable lines up with the detentes in the speedometer and transaxle.