speedometer problem

[Ludvig]

Hello,
I have a 94 Civic that I am having trouble with the speedometer. When the car is started, the speedo reads 21 mph. Every once in a while the speedo works as it should for a short period of time. When I disconnect the speed sensor and start the car the speedo reads 16 mph. I have replaced the speed sensor (top and bottom), still same problem. The problem seems electrical to me but not sure where to start looking. I looked at the wiring that goes from the sensor into the harness (about 8 inches worth) and it appears ok. I moved around the wires with the key on and someone watching the speedo, to see if I could get the speedo to move, but nothing. Could a bad fuse cause this? What fuse protects this circuit? It wasn''t in the manual. Any ideas would help before the car goes to the stealer. Thanks.

[wreckchord]

if you have changed the speed sensor, only thing left is the speed-o-meter its self, I don''t remember reading of any fuse for this unit.

[Ludvig]

Thanks. How hard is it to change out the speedo? Will it come out the front or rear of dash? Thank you

[wreckchord]

i believe it comes out the front, I''ve only taken a 90 accord apart. The bezel has to come off first. then drop the steering as low with the adjuster. take the screws loose to get the entire cluster out then work the speed-o-meter

[Christ]

Don't bother changing your speedo, test your car w/ a cluster unit that you know works... or any other cluster unit you can find.. the chances of another unit giving you the same problem are slim to none.

Once you've figured out that it's your problem, you can change your speedo if you want.

keep in mind, in most states, it's illegal to swap clusters if the new one has less miles than the old one. FYI.

[hondacivic2008]

I read another user's solution and after trying many things...YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS.

Look under the hood and find some wiring grouped under the intake. The wiring has been rubbing against a metal piece and this rubbing has caused the wires to be bare. The short is hurting the operating of your speedometer. With some electrical tape and some effort you can fix this in 20 minutes. Wrap the electrical tape around the wires where the wires are rubbing against the metal piece. It will be obvious if you get your elbows a little dirty.

Otherwise you can try and replace the VSS and Speedometer only to be out hundreds of dollars and still have a faulty speedometer.

I did it tonight, and after months of anguish I fixed my 98 civic.

[Scuzz]

If you have to replace the speedo, check out this thread.
I posted on another site and got a great answer.
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2166908