danny_ha

The speedometer stopped working on my EM1 3 days ago. I pulled it out and checked all the wires/connections. They seemed fine, so I plugged them back in tightly and it started working again for about a day before it stopped again. I continued to drive it and my CEL came on. While I was on the highway the other day, it just jumped back into action for a couple of hours before it stopped working again. Now, it has completely stopped working. It still occassionally jumps up and down here and there, but thats it.

I've already taken it to Autozone and the code was for a "faulty speed sensor". I was told that it might possibly be my "VSS" (Vehicle Speed Sensor), but I haven't the slightest clue where that is or how to replace it (if I can). I was also told that my entire cluster has gone bad and I need to just get a new one, but I don't want to spend $200-$300 for another one and that not fix the problem. I've also already done multiple searches on here and other websites to see if I could find anything similar to my issue, but I came up with nothing.

Any help/knowledge of this issue would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.

Also, my car does have very high mileage (170,000). Don't know if this could have anything to do with it but I thought I'd go ahead and let it be known.

civicSF98

I've just posted a similar thread. Same thing is happening with my car.

It would not work, then start working again. But now the speedo has stopped working.

I think the speed sensor is located next to the transmission.

What code did it read?

danny_ha

I don't remember the exact code. I think it was a code 17.

danny_ha

Also, if anyone could tell me exactly where the vss is located, that would be great. Maybe I could check to see if its corroded or gone bad.

djviet2000

the VSS is right on top of the tranny. take off your intake you see see your starter. look left and down on TOP of the tranny. its bolted with 3 10mm bolts. twist it a lil bit and you get it out

jdmek9imagex

its not the cluster, replace the speed sensor, the cel comes on because of the sensor. i had this problem, mostly when i drive i the rain, the speedo would act up

majrneo

hope this helps you

fastrxu

Not to threadjack but I have a similair problem maybe we can all benefit sharing

I had the same problem but I threw a eld code (electric load detector) I don't know what that has to do with but they started at the same time

majrneo

do you have a number for that eld code??/

fastrxu

code 20 on a obd1 p75

majrneo

sorry cant help with obd1 cars.

fastrxu

it's an obd2 b18 in a obd2 car converted to obd1 it shouldn't be that different

anyways I found something that will probably solve my problem maybe it'll help you
www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2535778

it's my fuse and I gotta find a short somewhere which is probably my egr valve wires that are bare cuz this happend right after I took the tape off them to try to clean em up

blackcivic11

Definitely the speed sensor.. I had the exact same problem, my connector had one pin out of the three that corroded and broke off in the plug so it would get connection sometimes and other times it wouldn't change the speed sensor and the plug on the wiring harness... as it was stated its on top of the tranny beside the starter so remove your intake and you'll see it.

danny_ha

Thanks for all the input, guys. So heres the update: I finally located the vss and got it off. No corrosion and no broken pins, but I did find a little nest/cacoon nestled up right behind the vss. Whatever was in though had already hatched. Dont know what came out of it and sure as hell hope it didn't have anything to with my speedometer screwing up. But off to auto store to see if I can find out anything else. Thanks again for all the help.

TorquelessEM1

Trust me,they always look "ok" but are ****ed in reality. It's one of the most common issues with EM1's

Diversion

Can the VSS sensor also cause the speedo needles to bounce during certain speeds as well?

danny_ha

So I unplugged the sensor and put it back in so I could drive to my local honda dealership. It started working just fine again for about 10-15 mins when it started acting up again. So I went ahead and ordered another speed sensor ($78 w/ my discount). Apparently, EM1's were released with 2 different types of VSS's (according to the honda technician). Theres the Denso and Matsushita Denshi. The main difference is that one has a male-end plug (Denso) and the other has a female-end plug (M.D.). Majority EM1's released has the Denso but mine has the M.D. Just thought I would post this for future references and for any other Si owners that might be having this issue. Either way, I hope this will solve the problem. Again, this was told to me by the honda technician so don't bitch me out if you think otherwise. Just trying to help out the community.

solo227

just had the same problem its your sensor...

Diversion

Is this year of the Em1 VSS fail or something? Lol. Think i'll jump the gun and order me a new VSS.

TorquelessEM1

YES,it can...... The vss inn my s4c is doing the same thing..... And I know for a FACT its the Vss....

TorquelessEM1

Dude,its the one damn part on those cars that just craps the bed..........Might as well get one to keep on hand....

danny_ha

So I picked up my VSS this morning and replaced it. So far, so good. I've driven about 15 miles and the speedometer seems to still be working good. No twitching or bouncing of any sort. But my CEL did come on again but for another code: P0420 - Catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1. Anyone might know what this is about? I just replaced my catalytic converter and O2 sensor 2 months ago.

95jeremie

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/speed-sensor-issue-2630318/

95jeremie

vacume leak
or you didn't tighten the gas cap all the way
clear the code and see if it comes back on

danny_ha

Thanks. I cleared the code and drove for about 3 miles when it came back on. Took it to Autozone again, same code.