dfn_doe

So I've been experiencing a seriously jumpy speedo for the past few days, is the VSS the most likely culprit or are there other items that I should look into first? Is there an easy way to test a VSS (that doesn't require an oscilliscope)?

dfn_doe

C'mon people... has no one ever diagnosed a jumpy speedometer?

JDM-97CX

Check connections.

The easiesst way to test a vss is to use a scan tool.

turbotime

if its vss it will throw a CEL, but not always. is the car alright when its going crazy? bogging? how many miles on the cluster?

hatchi

check vss then check ignitor

dragaholic

getting the same prob. I got a code 17(vss).

would you still get a code even if the connections are loose?

habitat307

sometimes when your speedo jumps it can mean you have a bad alternator. that happened on mine. i dont know how it works like that but it happened, i think it was due to my alternator not being able to keep up with my amp.

ProJectCvic

I have two hatch (a 96 and a 97) both with this problem. After two weeks of jumpy speedo needle, it went dead (both). I've changed the vss and alternator to one of the hatch...that didn't do it. Are there any fuse/ground to these speedo?

lifeofbean

When my 96 EX did that, it was the plug that connected to the VSS - it had corroded

Silverhatch

i have a buddie his vss vent bad it was reading like totally wrong. if he did 50mph he would be arrested

Silverhatch

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lifeofbean &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When my 96 EX did that, it was the plug that connected to the VSS - it had corroded </TD></TR></TABLE> is there a way to clean the corrosion off of the plug ?

dfn_doe

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lifeofbean &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When my 96 EX did that, it was the plug that connected to the VSS - it had corroded </TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Silverhatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> is there a way to clean the corrosion off of the plug ?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Upon further inspection it appears that this is my problem as well. I was able to get a stable signal by connecting/disconnecting the plug several times to clear soem of the corrosion.

In my other automotive community (Datsun 510s) it's pretty commonly accepted that a short soak in some white vinegar will clear the corrosion from most electrical connectors and then using a bit of dielectric grease when reassambling keeps the connection clean and solid. I plan on doing this on my EG when I get a few extra moments. I'll post to let yall know if it works well...

ProJectCvic

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dfn_doe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Upon further inspection it appears that this is my problem as well. I was able to get a stable signal by connecting/disconnecting the plug several times to clear soem of the corrosion.

In my other automotive community (Datsun 510s) it's pretty commonly accepted that a short soak in some white vinegar will clear the corrosion from most electrical connectors and then using a bit of dielectric grease when reassambling keeps the connection clean and solid. I plan on doing this on my EG when I get a few extra moments. I'll post to let yall know if it works well...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I've heard this done with a coke pop too.

robert_v

yea mine does the same thing too. i changed the cluster from a dx to si and after a little over 5k miles on it, it died. the mph dead, but tach still works. can any one help?

Cyphear

just fyi i had similar problems. all said and done I had to solder on new wires from the leads and clip off my harness connector. those things get really corroded down there from coolant dropping from the thermostat above it (like when u take it off).

ProJectCvic

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cyphear &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">just fyi i had similar problems. all said and done I had to solder on new wires from the leads and clip off my harness connector. those things get really corroded down there from coolant dropping from the thermostat above it (like when u take it off).</TD></TR></TABLE>

From where to where did you replace the wire?

cdizzle

u can check ur vss if u jack up ur cars front wheels and use a multimeter, spin ur front tire with ur hand the reading should jump from like0.0 to 0.8 if it barely reads ur vss is bad jus go down to a junkyard and grab a new one its one or two bolts theyll charge ya like 20 bucks max

riceburnerryan

i also heard that it could be grounds???

dfn_doe

Funny that this thread got brought back from the dead, I actually just fixed thsi yesterday. I went to Fry's electronics and picked up some electrical contact cleaner and corrosion protection stuff and applied it to the vss contacts and the harness connector contacts. Gave them both a quick wipe down with the included swabs and everything works perfect now.

Total cost, 24USD, but it could be done cheaper if you buy just the cleaner and not the corrosion protectant and applicator kit. I think the cleaner is ether based so there are probably a million different products available which will do the job as well...