JafarB

I picked up a cluster for my 1992 DA to replace the current one I have. It's from a 1991 that didn't come with an ABS system seeing as there's no ABS light.

I did the swap, but then threw a CEL for a speed sensor, code 17-1 I think. Light comes on after a minute or so of driving unless it's been sitting for a while, then it'll take 10-15 minutes.

Nothing was wrong with the car until I did this nor did it throw the light before hand for anything else

If the car has been sitting for a few hours: starts up at 1300-1500rpm, lowers down to typical 700-800, then after driving it goes right between the stall line and zero. Car doesn't shake badly but it vibrates just a bit. After prolonged driving I will hear a rhythmic knocking from about 1900rpm until 3500rpm or so and I don't push the car any more than that at that point.

I don't show any symptoms of a misfire, my fluids are checked daily, although I think it wouldn't hurt to change the fuel filter or my spark plugs and wires for this winter.

Now, it was annoying trying to put this cluster in, and I have no idea how to guarantee I do it right. I make sure the speed cable is lined up with the hole you insert it in, and I try to push it as far back as possible without breaking the plastic cover but I have no idea how to guarantee that or if there's a trick to doing the speed cable plug in.

How do you upload pictures that are straight from desktop onto here so I can show the comparisons. They both have the same fitting in the back where you hook it up.

TheRealTegger

You posted this exact same question on November 9th:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-integra-6/92-gs-cel-need-advice-3179154/

To repeat what I said in my Nov 9th reply...

The ECU changed between '91 and '92. You cannot use a '91 cluster in a '92, since the pinouts are different between the two. You will get a Code 17 because the '92 ECU won't receive the proper signal from the '91 cluster.

You need a '92-'93 cluster.

JafarB

Alright well I have that old one still. Didn't notice the reply.

Thanks for your time!

Bl6da9

Actually you can use them back and forth, I have a 92 GSR cluster on my 91 and I gave a buddy of mine my 91 to install in his 93 as his tach went bad.

OP: sounds to me like you did not insert the VSS cable into the cluster correctly or you pulled it out of the VSS at the tranny.

My suggestion would be pull the cable from the trany and then pull the cable at the cluster side to make sure it goes in all the way and locks (this is a pita unless you have small hands/arms). Slide the cluster back into place but don't reinstall the bezel (another pita to put on and off). Slide the cable into the trany VSS and make sure it goes in correctly. The two ears on the cable have to align with the notches. Once you do that drive it around and you should not have any problems unless you cable is broken.

JafarB

Just to update:

Put the old '92 Cluster back in, still having problems with no MPH reading. Thinking it may be the speed cable because it looks a bit frayed. Is there any way to correct that without having to replace it? I'm in class currently so I can't post pictures. Is there any way I can actually take the dash apart past the basic trim you take off when pulling the cluster as well?

tofuchicken

Now, it was annoying trying to put this cluster in, and I have no idea how to guarantee I do it right. I make sure the speed cable is lined up with the hole you insert it in, and I try to push it as far back as possible without breaking the plastic cover but I have no idea how to guarantee that or if there's a trick to doing the speed cable plug in.


the trick is to undo the speed cable from the tranny first so u dont damage your cluster,or cable, pulling it out. You have to unplug the cable, push some of the cable through the firewall towards the cluster so you have some slack when you pull the cluster out. unclip the cable with your hands and in turn this enables you to plug it back in when putting it back together. after putting the cluster back in its place, make sure the speed cable gets put back in the tranny.

its the steps you take before you get started, that determines how smoothly this job will go.

JafarB

Yeah.
I maybe skipped undoing it from the trans and just went straight in and pulled little by little from the cluster dash area.
So, my bad there. I can post pictures of the cable later but I think at that point it might need to be replaced, or maybe there's some hope lol

Bl6da9

very simple way to know if its broken, find some needle nose pliers and pull on the cable slightly from the cluster end. If you feel the cable start to pull out with little to no resistance than the cable is snapped and you'll need a new one which is about $45.00 from Acura.

JafarB

It doesn't allow much lee-way. I can't pull on it much more than a half an inch, so that must mean it's good. Although the insulation on the outside is a bit scuffed. I can hear a buzzing in the dash meaning the cable is spinning so it HAS to be my own installation error. Right?

m4xwellmurd3r

Btw afaik the speed cable screws into the back of the cluster. Its not just plugged in.

I always detach it from the trandmission first, then pull it out enough to connect it to the cluster, then just push the cluster in. As long ad you didnt yank it out of the firewall the cluster will push in nice and easy, with the speedo cable right by the transmission again

Also the metal cable can slide right out of the outer sleeve from the transmission side when its attached to the cluster. I did this to mine to clean it up since it was filthy and binding inside

JafarB

If you can provide pictures of any kind that'd help, but I see how that'd work. Is there any special tools needed or is it just a hand deal? Anything I should be aware of when messing with that cable at the trans?