Speedometer Failure

[90ACCORDLXGUY]

Mine is having the Speedo problem as well. The alternator was just replaced a couple of months ago and the VSS was replaced about 2-3 years ago.

[phantomcb7]

If the odometer and/or cruise control work, then it is not the VSS.

really?? cuz my speedometer out of nowhere stopped working and everything else was working and i replaced the vss and that solved my problem so i wouldnt necessarily ignore that it could be that

[90ACCORDLXGUY]

really?? cuz my speedometer out of nowhere stopped working and everything else was working and i replaced the vss and that solved my problem so i wouldnt necessarily ignore that it could be that

But the VSS controls the odometer and cruise control would not be able to work without the speedometer working.

The odometer freezes everytime my speedometer drops to zero.

[phantomcb7]

But the VSS controls the odometer and cruise control would not be able to work without the speedometer working.

The odometer freezes everytime my speedometer drops to zero.

idk bout the cruise control but i thought the odometer was controlled by the distributor but if it is controlled by the vss that would make sense why your rpms freakout when you are revving high

[Fleetw00d]

The VSS is geared to the ring gear of the differential in the transmission and so is a function of output rotation of the axles and wheels, this determines speed and distance traveled. The VSS generates an alternating voltage signal that powers a stepper motor that rotates the odometer. The same signal is delivered to the speedometer and to the ECU for operation of the cruise control.

[Nurega]

Thanks everyone, for the help. I replaced the VSS today, and the speedometer and odometer are working once again. It took me less than two hours total; the DIY guide on this site is extremely helpful.

The rear window incident was apparently a one-time deal. It goes up and down normally now, so it's safe to assume the problem was the result of underuse.

[jova1993cb]

Would a bad vss caust the speedo to read wrong?

[stevediraddo]

yes. the VSS controls the cruise control and speedometer directly and on its own. a failed VSS can cause problems with the cruise control, speedometer, and trip counter. i have also compared my speedometer to a GPS-based speedo just before total failure, and it was off by an average of 12km/h. The VSS CANNOT affect the tachometer. this is powered by the TACH signal coming from the distributor. Check the wiring flow:

VSS -> speedometer -> trip counter -> odometer -> cruise control
Distributor -> tachometer -> remote starter

If there's a problem with the alternator or electrical system, multiple gauges will fail at the same time (VERY unlikely for only one to fail in the event of an electrical systems problem)

[jova1993cb]

yes. the VSS controls the cruise control and speedometer directly and on its own. a failed VSS can cause problems with the cruise control, speedometer, and trip counter. i have also compared my speedometer to a GPS-based speedo just before total failure, and it was off by an average of 12km/h. The VSS CANNOT affect the tachometer. this is powered by the TACH signal coming from the distributor. Check the wiring flow:

VSS -> speedometer -> trip counter -> odometer -> cruise control
Distributor -> tachometer -> remote starter

If there's a problem with the alternator or electrical system, multiple gauges will fail at the same time (VERY unlikely for only one to fail in the event of an electrical systems problem)

So even if the trip and milage odometers are working and the speedo is reading wrong then the vss is surely to blame? It seems the speedo only does this when it is cold then works what seems to be normal when it warms up.

[Fleetw00d]

If you have a GPS, check if the odometer is registering correctly when the speedometer is acting up. If t he odometer works correctly, then it shouldn't be the VSS.

[jova1993cb]

I checked and they are both working and giving the correct milage.

[aluminum13]

Heh, you're not the only one who has had the vss go out and come back randomly. It seems like it will stop working for no reason and then come back within 50 miles or so of driving. And then no problems for months at a time. Never fixed it. Suppose I should...

Yes, the odometer and trip meter go out also.

Hint:
With f22 and stock 5 speed -

@2000 rpm in
2nd gear ~ 20mph
3rd ~ 30
4th ~ 40
5th ~ 50

[jhondayaaj]

So even if the trip and milage odometers are working and the speedo is reading wrong then the vss is surely to blame? It seems the speedo only does this when it is cold then works what seems to be normal when it warms up.

you need a new cluster.

[90ACCORDLXGUY]

Figured out mine was the part below the VSS, I could lift it out of the
transmission. Thought it had become unbolted somehow then looked more
closely and the part that bolts up was busted off from the rest of it. Ended
up having to replace that, luckily I had a spare one laying around. It was a
pain in the ass though!