Corolla Speedometer reads slow

If you say that when the speedo reads 73 you are actually going 65, this is a fast reading speedo, not slow, if the speedo reads 25, and your actually going 65, this is a slow reading speedo. Slow reading speedo, is usually caused by the factory grease having been expended, over many miles of the cable rotating at high rpm the grease eventually dries up creating a high friction situation, and hence slowing the rotation of the cable end.A fast reading speedo on the other hand can be caused by three things:smaller than stock tires, a change in the transaxle gear ratio, or mechanical drag of the inticator's magnetic clutch OUTER DRIVE PORTION on the cable end INNER PORTION, hope this is helpful

Well yes, you're right, I had it backwards. The speedometer reads faster than I am actually going. That third item that you give as a possible cause (mechanical drag of the inticator's magnetic clutch OUTER DRIVE PORTION on the cable end INNER PORTION), is that part of the cable and will replacing the cable take care of the problem? Thanks for your insight. Bob

Unfortunately the magnetic clutch is a part of the actual speedometer assembly, failure of the magnetic clutch can be a reult of cable failure. Does the speedometer make any sound?

The speedometer is quiet as a mouse. The only thing you notice is people passing you when you think you're driving the speed limit! I've had the car nearly 5 years and it's been this way since I bought it. Bottom line is I'm ready to sell it and move on. I just want to be able to assure any prospective buyer that there is nothing wrong with the transmission as it relates to the speedometer. If you think it's in the speedometer assembly I can tell them that. Otherwise this car's been a gem and I almost hate to part with it. Thanks much.

The mechanical assembly responsible for driving the speedometer cable is relatively simple. Regardless of weather your car has an automatic or a manual trans
It is Just a gear which is mounted on the final drive shaft
of the transmission, outside of the actual area of transmission operation, this gear drives a small gear mounted on the inside of the case(usually nylon). If this assembly fails, the speedometer simply won't work, and will be of no consequence to the transmission. The problem is more than likely in the speedometer itself, some of these speedometers can be calibrated, you might try contacting a speedometer specialist, and asking them if the unit on your perticular make/model is adjustable, hope this is helpful-Joe

Well OK. That helps me know how to proceed, and we can wrap this one up. Thanks Joe so very much for your help. Take care.
Bob :D