'96 Honda Civic VSS indentification

[borepstein]

Hello all,

I am a newbie here, so bear with me.

I have a 1996 Honda Civic whose speedometer all of a sudden went crazy, in a way consistent with a failed VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor). I am now looking for a new VSS so I can replace it.

The question I have is this. It appears that there are several options for an auto transmission/engine in my car. How do I determine what it is I've got - and what model VSS I need?

The VSS itself - the part of it that is visible - looks quite rusty and I could not find any identifying data on it.

Thanks in advance.

Boris.

[CivicSpoon]

If you know the trim of the Civic, that should tell you.
The CX, DX, and LX all have the same engine/transmission. The Engine code is D16Y7, a SOHC 1.6 liter non-VTEC engine.
The EX has a D16Y8, a SOHC 1.6 liter VTEC engine.
The HX has a D16Y5, a SOHC 1.6 liter VTEC-E ("E" for Economy) engine, with a CVT automatic transmission.

If you don't know the trim, you can look for the engine code on the front of the engine. There is a flat part on the engines casting, that has the code stamped, on the front where the engine meets the transmission. Likely you'll have to take some kind of degreaser or brake cleaner, to wipe it off, in order to clear some of the grime out of the stamping.