hello, I have an all stock 97 civic cx.......

and this problem started 2 days after I bought the car, there is no tach soo I bounced off 1st gear noted top speed, bounced of 2nd gear noticed top speed (wow 73mph in second... long tranny), and then I popped it in 3rd and decelerated.... Then all of a sudden mph drops to 0, engine check light comes on.

Its code 17, so i thought hey... prolly a bad vss. Checked my fuse it was blown... dropped another one in and pop within 5mins. But, I read around and decided to check all the connections for corrosion... NONE. Guess it really is the Vss.

Lagged a month or two running the car wtih tons of electrical problems and recharging the battery a few times. Then, I got around to replacing the vss... Still same problem.. WTF!!! oh yeah forgot... durhh... Replaced fuse and reset ecu and I tried again... WHoopie my car is normal!!!!


5mintues later of driving... i hear the fuse popping, vss drops to 0, and mph drops....


I have tried looking for some form of short and corroded connectors. I have tried searching. I've tried everything... I'm just lost and would like a normally running car. PLEASE HELP!!!!


symtoms are:

- jumpy speedo (acts like a tach sometimes)
- code 17
- flashing lights like a light show (more intense when battery is lower)
- blown speedo/alternator fuse (keeps blowing)


please help... thanks a lot....

this is soo fustrurating

 

i just fixed this problem on my 96 civic with b18c1. check the alternator fuse in the underdash fuse box. it is a 7.5. that is what my problem what. but i was throwing a code for vss, o2 sensor, and electrical load detecor or something. keep us informed.

 

if its an electric vss make sure there isnt any kind of fluids in the connecter.

 

i have already replaced the fuse like 10 times to no anvail.....

hmm... moisture in the connectors.. im pretyt sure there isnt any but its worth another try (for the millionth time.. lol)

 

i had the same problem. i was unable to fiqure out what it was. mine didnt keep blowing out though. it just blew twice in a few months.

 

i had the same bullshit problem my ecu threw codes for o2 sensor and bunch of other **** ended up spending money on a new alt new o2 sensors and a new vss which i still got laying around and found out it was a fuse, CHeck ALL ur fuses and look around for a wire touchin ne ting it shouldnt be thouching maybe u got short or a drain of some kind GOOD LUCK

 

It sounds like you have a short in the wiring between the VSS and the fusebox. Follow the wires from the VSS for as long as you can until you reach a harness. Look for obvious damage or contact stress wear to the wires.

 

yeah.... soo we all agree I do have a short somewhere in my wiring harness???


Thats what i figured the whole time, but there is no obvious wear or tear. The plugs seem perfectly fine. So thats what is really stumping me... GRRrrRR!!!!


thanks for all the replies and help so far guys...


I found that there is a plug that tends to short right under the intake manifold... anyone have a better description of where its located? and and tips on how to find this damn short...

thx again

 

bump.... anyone other hints clues comments help?

 

Bump because I have the same damn problem!

Code 17 - VSS - My speedo is DEAD!

Code 20 - Electrical Load Detector - Alternator Fuse blows, been through three so far, but the 'Meter' fuse in the box is still ok.

Code 41 - Primary O2 Sensor Heater.

So, Stehigs321, what exactly did you do to fix your problem?? Once the negative post on the battery is pulled off, the car dies indicating a dead alternator, but, I feel this might be because of the dead fuse which is probably being blown instantly when the car is turned on. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

 

this is a VERY common problem in these cars. Look under the intake manifold, you will probably see the black/yellow wire will be rubbed through the sleeve and possibly rubbing on the manifold/bracket/or mount.

 

Thanks dude! I'll check it out in the morning. I just got done searching a little more and it seems that many times its been a brown wire causing this same problem? Anywho, I guess I have a date with my wiring harness tomorrow night. Thanks again Emerica!

Funny thing though, my battery died just as the rear wheels cleared the hump of the gas station's driveway and I barely coasted her into a parking spot. Interesting how the freeway on-ramp was closed today too. :twilight zone music:

 

funny how things work out.

but yeah, just look around, cause usually the harness rubs against the IM support bracket. Just tape them up if possible and secure the harness away from the bracket!