[Black88GTA]

So for a while now, my speedometer has been acting up, although it's gotten much worse over the last couple weeks.

The problem: sometimes it behaves itself, and works normally. Other times, it will be stuck dead at zero, with the needle jumping occasionally. Sometimes after being at zero for a bit, it will all of a sudden begin working, and then it either keeps working, or dies again. It seems to be random when it acts up vs when it works. It's always been smooth before this, and when it does work, it operates smoothly (no bouncing or jerkiness).

Has anyone had this problem? What might cause it?

The car is a 1989 Si (non 4WS) automatic, with about 126k on it. Thanks in advance for any help...

[1funryd]

Originally Posted by Black88GTA

So for a while now, my speedometer has been acting up, although it's gotten much worse over the last couple weeks.

The problem: sometimes it behaves itself, and works normally. Other times, it will be stuck dead at zero, with the needle jumping occasionally. Sometimes after being at zero for a bit, it will all of a sudden begin working, and then it either keeps working, or dies again. It seems to be random when it acts up vs when it works. It's always been smooth before this, and when it does work, it operates smoothly (no bouncing or jerkiness).

Has anyone had this problem? What might cause it?

The car is a 1989 Si (non 4WS) automatic, with about 126k on it. Thanks in advance for any help...

Very common issue with our cables going bad or the VSS sensor on the back left corner of the gauge cluster.

Check both.

[Black88GTA]

Originally Posted by 1funryd

Very common issue with our cables going bad or the VSS sensor on the back left corner of the gauge cluster.

Check both.

I have read through searching on the forum about the bouncing speedo which can be attributed to a binding cable, but would a bad cable cause an issue like I am describing? Anyway, I will check both when I have a moment (probably next weekend). A bad cable should be fairly obvious / easy to spot, but how would I check the VSS sensor for proper operation? I assume this sensor is where the cable attaches to the cluster?

[1funryd]

Originally Posted by Black88GTA

I have read through searching on the forum about the bouncing speedo which can be attributed to a binding cable, but would a bad cable cause an issue like I am describing? Anyway, I will check both when I have a moment (probably next weekend). A bad cable should be fairly obvious / easy to spot, but how would I check the VSS sensor for proper operation? I assume this sensor is where the cable attaches to the cluster?

Correct the vss sensor the area where you plug the cable into on the left rear side of the guage cluster.

[2nd one]

the only way to check the v.s.s. on the cluster is to replace it with one that is known to be in good working order. its really easy to get to, but finding one is probably going to be an issue for you. junkyard would be my suggestion. you may end up buying more than one.

[cnrtool]

Just a suggestion... if you were to disconnect the speedo at the joint on the valve cover, turn the key on, and twist the inner cable on the instrument side, the needle should bounce. Not much, but it will move.

If it does, there's a good chance the cable is broken on the trans half. Sometimes the broken ends catch each other, and cause an intermittent problem. The lower half is about 25 bucks, not too painful.

Mine, the odometer worked on and off. As 2ndone suggested, I replaced the sensor that the cable plugs into on the back of the speedo. Got the replacement speed sensor to register, only to find out the cable was also broke at the transmission.

I scavenged the sensor from a cluster I bought for 20 bucks on ebay. Stick or auto should work.

[Black88GTA]

Originally Posted by 1funryd

Correct the vss sensor the area where you plug the cable into on the left rear side of the guage cluster.

Cool, thanks. I'll inspect it for any visible damage / problems when I get a chance to dig into it.

Originally Posted by 2nd one

the only way to check the v.s.s. on the cluster is to replace it with one that is known to be in good working order. its really easy to get to, but finding one is probably going to be an issue for you. junkyard would be my suggestion. you may end up buying more than one.

Unfortunately, no pick n' pulls around here (that I know of). Long Island sucks for boneyards. Going to look really closely at the cable first, since that'll be easier to spot. If I do end up needing to get a sensor, I might try Ebay.

Originally Posted by cnrtool

Just a suggestion... if you were to disconnect the speedo at the joint on the valve cover, turn the key on, and twist the inner cable on the instrument side, the needle should bounce. Not much, but it will move.

If it does, there's a good chance the cable is broken on the trans half. Sometimes the broken ends catch each other, and cause an intermittent problem. The lower half is about 25 bucks, not too painful.

Mine, the odometer worked on and off. As 2ndone suggested, I replaced the sensor that the cable plugs into on the back of the speedo. Got the replacement speed sensor to register, only to find out the cable was also broke at the transmission.

I scavenged the sensor from a cluster I bought for 20 bucks on ebay. Stick or auto should work.

That's kind of what I had in mind for testing the sensor on the cluster. I was thinking about disconnecting the two halves of the speedo cable at the valve cover and then finding some way to chuck the inner speedo cable (upper half) in a drill. Then, set up a mirror on the drivers' seat so that I could see if the needle was moving when I spun the cable with the drill. Bad idea?

Also, I've been keeping an eye on my odometer as well. That seems to be working fine, and operates even when the speedo is dead. Would this help to pinpoint whether or not it is the sensor or the cable? Or does this run off of its own mechanism independent of the speedometer? I'm assuming this is the case, since it works even when the speedo doesn't...

[2nd one]

if your speedo cable isn't binding, and the odometer is working (when it enters the cluster it turns 90 degrees and has a jackshaft piece of cable straight to the odometer off the v.s.s) then the v.s.s is probably the culprit. that said, there is a box mounted to the outside of the cluster. that translates what the v.s.s pick-up coil is sending it to a signal that goes to the speedometer. you could try to replace that first, but if it doesn't work, then the pickup is what your going to have to replace. as far as egay goes, clusters don't pop up very often, i would email seller hondapartsunlimited and see if they can get you one. they are reasonable price and quick to ship.

[cnrtool]

Originally Posted by Black88GTA

That's kind of what I had in mind for testing the sensor on the cluster. I was thinking about disconnecting the two halves of the speedo cable at the valve cover and then finding some way to chuck the inner speedo cable (upper half) in a drill.

Just a brisk 1/2 rotation by hand will cause the needle to jump.

[preludejim]

my speedo dose the same thing it goes in and out . some times when i smack the side of the gauge cluster it will start working again ,and sometimes it starts when i hit a bump just right i have learned to use the tack to guage my speed .

[Robert Taylor]

I had a problem like that long ago and it turned out to be some type of a amplifier mounted near the speedometer on my 2nd gen lude according to the Honda tech . I noticed that you have such a amp on your 3rd gen lude so you might keep that in mind . It was over 10 years ago ,but thats what I remember .

[StreetRacer]

Originally Posted by Black88GTA

So for a while now, my speedometer has been acting up, although it's gotten much worse over the last couple weeks.

The problem: sometimes it behaves itself, and works normally. Other times, it will be stuck dead at zero, with the needle jumping occasionally. Sometimes after being at zero for a bit, it will all of a sudden begin working, and then it either keeps working, or dies again. It seems to be random when it acts up vs when it works. It's always been smooth before this, and when it does work, it operates smoothly (no bouncing or jerkiness).

Has anyone had this problem? What might cause it?

The car is a 1989 Si (non 4WS) automatic, with about 126k on it. Thanks in advance for any help...

I have the same problem. But it's 1990 Si. Do I have that cable? If no, then it has to be a speed sensor in the gauge cluster?

[gtkid2002]

Originally Posted by StreetRacer

I have the same problem. But it's 1990 Si. Do I have that cable? If no, then it has to be a speed sensor in the gauge cluster?

90-91 Preludes have an electronic speedometer, so No, you do not have a cable to worry about. Chances are it's your speed sensor behind the cluster, or it's your VSS on your trans if your odometer isn't working either.

I've heard pulling gently on the e-brake till the light just comes on your dash might help, in which case it's a bad ground, so you can try that too.

[luzer]

Originally Posted by Black88GTA

Unfortunately, no pick n' pulls around here (that I know of). Long Island sucks for boneyards. Going to look really closely at the cable first, since that'll be easier to spot. If I do end up needing to get a sensor, I might try Ebay.

I think I have a spare 88/89 cluster laying around in the garage. I'll look when I get home tonight. Shoot me a PM so I'll remember to look.

[teamunknown]

not to thread jack but my check engine light came on as soon as my speedo stopped working and im getting code 17 for vss in my ecu light that be the cable, sensor on tranny or cluster? i know i have to replace my cable but honda dealership has discontinued selling top or bottom but i can only get both for $50 where on the tranny would the sensor be located? and would it be a pita to change?

[Black88GTA]

To contribute, I'd update the thread with my resolution, but I haven't tackled the problem yet. This got put on the back burner a little bit, as I have been dividing my time between the other cars lately. Well, that and it's been damn cold.

Originally Posted by luzer

I think I have a spare 88/89 cluster laying around in the garage. I'll look when I get home tonight. Shoot me a PM so I'll remember to look.

That sounds like something I could definitely use PM forthcoming...

[fccruzazul]

Originally Posted by Black88GTA

To contribute, I'd update the thread with my resolution, but I haven't tackled the problem yet. This got put on the back burner a little bit, as I have been dividing my time between the other cars lately. Well, that and it's been damn cold.



That sounds like something I could definitely use PM forthcoming...

ok just to check, it is connected properly to the cluster right? my speedo wasnt working before, and i was just a tard and didnt connect it all the way where it plugs into the back of the cluster. i would reccomend checking that that is plugged in all the way, a so-so connectino could cause that problem.

[pezzy]

new threadjack....

It's mentioned a few times that the cable is a two piece cable. I had the typical bounce but with an awful squeal. Check here and it was posted that it is possible to pull the cable out of the housing, clean it, relube it, and put it all back together. Here's where my question is, Mine was a single piece from the tach all the way to the transmission. I've got an 88 auto with the A3. Is this an aftermarket replacement or did some come with a single piece cable?

By the way pulling, cleaning, lubing, and putting everything back together made it stop squealing and bouncing. So if anyone wants to save some money, try that before replacing the cable.

[a1cnas]

Originally Posted by 1funryd

Correct the vss sensor the area where you plug the cable into on the left rear side of the guage cluster.

so does this mean the 88-89 vss can be wired to the obd1 vss sensors on the tranny