2001 EX Speedo stuck - VSS or bad gauge?

[jschall]

While driving down the 405 yesterday my speedometer read 120 and I about crapped. Then I realized I was doing about 70. The needle would go up or down a bit with my speed and when stopped, it says 80mph. Odometer is working fine. How can I tell if this is a VSS problem or instrument or ???
I can get an instrument cluster (used pull) on ebay for $50. Would the swap be a 30 min job or all day? Any help would sure be appreciated. Thanks.

[Copytech99]

There is a procedure to check the cluster. I would think a defective VSS would give a CE light and messed up shifting if an automatic. ( I could be mistaken )

The cluster is an easy swap. The mileage in the odometer will be whatever the other car had on it when removed.

[jschall]

Yeah, its an automatic. Everything else works great- no lights or erratic behavior anywhere else- just the needle of the speedo. It moves very slow, not erratic or off/on- just mopes like its dragging or mucked up. Where could I find a way to test the cluster or VSS? Thanks for the help and quick reply!

[BrodyP]

Try resetting the ECU (remove neg battery terminal for a few). Sounds like a faulty speedo sensor. Is this the stock cluster?

[jschall]

It's the stock cluster. I'll try lifting the battery terminal and see what happens. Thanks!

[jschall]

Whats wierd is that the needle is "stuck" on 80MPH when its parked and only starts to move when i hit 45-50 or so then kinda slowly moves. When I come to a stop- it stays on 80. It hasn't moved lower than 80 in 4 days. I'm at work, but at lunch I'll try the battery thing. Thanks.

[jschall]

Lifted the neg terminal while I had lunch. Connected it back up 20 min later and speedo needle is now at 0. Didn't drive yet, but that looks encouraging. I wonder if it was a fluke thing or if this will be a re-occuring problem. Thanks.

[dealseaker]

just a quick ? what does VSS mean?

[Copytech99]

Originally Posted by dealseaker

just a quick ? what does VSS mean?

Vehicle Speed Sensor