time to replace the car with a cobalt.

 

No thanks, sat in one while I was waiting for the paperwork to be finalized for this car. Didn't need to take it out for a test drive.

 

First of all, you'll probably need an instrument cluster for the speedo/tach problem.

Are there any electrical accessories added that are non-factory, cruise, alarm, keyless entry, radio, ect? If so disconnect them first.

 

I agree with the cluster, as to the rest of your troubles I am thinking either the BCM is shorted or it is getting some faulty inputs and it is confused.

 

Actually, your vehicle is 5 model years old. Could be the cluster.

 

Thank you for your responses, I'll look into how much that will cost and start saving. Typical female question though, what is a BCM? I have no added accessories installed as I usually buy the real basic model as I usually never resell them but drive them until they can't go anymore.

Thanks again for your responses.

 

BCM = Body Control Module It is the computer that is in control of the body systems in the vehicle, lighting, security, power control etc.

 

Check, clean, and tighten all the cables going from battery to starter, and to alternator. Cavaliers tend to be very sensitive to ground issues and could cause weird problems you are describing.

 

Totally agree. I bet if you check you will see that the cables are corroded a little bit and that could be giving you huge problems.

 

Thank you for the last responses, as the spedometer stuck again today and this time actually gave me notice I think I'm going to have to take it into the mechanic. Actually maybe the spedometer made the ticking noise before it stuck the other times, I just couldn't hear it with the radio playing.

As I really can't afford a huge bill, it is always nice to have an idea what might be wrong before going in. I do trust my mechanic but understand they sometimes have problems finding/recreating the issue.

Thanks again, I really do appreciate all the advice.

 

is it sticking when you drive the car? and you hear like a clicking sound and the needles kinds twitch around? if thats what its doing then its a lose cable going from battery my old sunfire had that happen.

 

I too am having this issue. I bought the car with less than 1000 miles in July 2005. Fairly soon, my odomoter started showing just 3 #'s:

Then last fall, my temp guage began shifting so that it would start at about 150 degrees when not running and show at 200+ while running at times, but most of the time, it would drive at the midway point.

In the winter, my speedometer started sticking. It would show that I'm going 40-50 on the highway, and if I restarted my car, it would immediately jump correctly to 75 or whatever I was actually driving.

Last night, I restarted my car to see if the temp gauge would correct itself - it showed my temp was redlined.

This is the result:

Then, my speedometer would not go past the temp gauge needle. Today, it is more normal - temp needle rests near the 260 degree mark, and when I drive, it only goes to about 20 mph and my speedometer acts normal.

I'm guessing it's some kind of an electrical issue. I'm going to start with checking wires. I do have an aftermarket stereo/amp/sub, but that was after the odometer issue and everything worked fine for a couple months before these other issues.

Thank you.

 

Prob. the cluster stepper motors are bad. The Silverados of the same years also had this issue. For them GM had a TSB/recall if your truck was within a certain year/mileage.
I have seen no official GM TSB/Recall on a Cav. tho.
Try a google search for a TSB/recall for the Cavs.

If not and you handy the cluster removal is a simple plug n play job. There are several cluster rebuilders on Flea-bay you could check out if you choose to do a DIY repair.

 

I had the same issue, just get another cluster from ebay and swap it. I bought a brand new sunfire cluster for less than $40.

 

I have to take the whole dash off to do it like with the stereo?