Ford F-350 Speedo Cable Noise Behind Tachometer

The facts, your 2010 F350 SD truck with 90,000 miles on it has an electronic speedometer, not one that’s connected by a cable to the transmission. However, You are hearing an on-and-off rubbing noise behind the speedometer between 30 and 40mph. It’s on the left side of the dashboard where the tachometer is. What’s interesting is that the noise changes with the vehicle’s speed, just like it would if it were a traditional speedometer cable.

Your F350 is an XLT model with cruise control. When you look under the dashboard, it’s pretty crowded and hard to reach. You thinking your next step might be to take out the instrument cluster to see if there’s a mechanical cable causing this noise.

Ford F350 Speedo Cable Noise Behind Tachometer

It’s important to note that your 2010 F350 Super Duty indeed has an electronic speedometer and does not use a traditional mechanical speedometer cable. However, the noise you’re hearing behind the tachometer that varies with vehicle speed could still be related to a mechanical issue or some other component.

Here are some possible explanations for the noise you’re experiencing:

Vibration or Loose Components: It’s possible that there is a loose or vibrating component behind the instrument cluster. This could be a bracket, wire harness, or other part that’s making contact with the cluster and causing the noise. Inspecting the area behind the cluster may help identify any loose or vibrating parts.

Cruise Control Cable: Since your F350 has cruise control, there may be a cable related to the cruise control system that’s causing the noise. Check the cruise control cable and its routing to see if it’s coming into contact with anything or if it’s loose.

Electrical Issue: While your speedometer is electronic, there could still be an electrical issue in the cluster or related components that’s causing the noise. Inspecting the wiring and connections behind the cluster may reveal any issues.

Other Mechanical Issue: Sometimes, sounds can be deceiving, and the source of the noise might not be where you expect it. It could be related to another mechanical component of the vehicle that coincidentally produces a noise that seems to be coming from behind the tachometer. Inspecting the entire area carefully might help pinpoint the issue.

Before removing the instrument cluster, it’s a good idea to have a qualified mechanic or technician take a look at the vehicle. They might have the experience and tools to diagnose the problem more accurately and prevent unnecessary disassembly. Additionally, they can use diagnostic equipment to check for any error codes or sensor readings that might be related to the noise.