jaybrad5000

I have a 98 civic ex automatic and every once i a while the speedometer quits working. It has always come back after a few minutes and the cruise control keeps the car at a steady speed. It doesnt turn on any check engine lights. What do you think? Thanks for your help.

TeamNextGenChris

most of the time,a problem like you are describing is due to a bad VSS,or a corroded/broken VSS connector.but,since the cruise still works,i'd say it must be in the speedo gauge.do you or a friend have another gauge cluster or speedometer you can swap in to try?
also try checking that all the plugs on the back of the cluster are firmly connected.
Chris

jaybrad5000

I have never had this car apart so I really doubt that a connector could be loose. Maybe but I doubt it. Are there two seperate sensors for cruise and speedo? How does the speedo work is there a cable or is it all electronic? Thank you for your help.

TeamNextGenChris

there is only one speed sensor,so both cruise and the speedo get their readings there.
it is an electronic output sensor-older hondas did have a cable operated sensor.
i guess because it's so low in the engine bay it gets a lot of water spray,but i've seen quite a few VSSs have corroded contacts.my old roommate's car was so bad that when we unplugged the harness,all of the contact assemblies from the sensor broke off and stayed in the plug.
Chris