Lately when Im driving to work the car speedometer will suddenly drop to zero and then return to normal. This is a 94 Accord Ex with about 140k miles on it. Just did a very thourough 100k maintenence on it @ 130k miles when I got it. with honda oem parts including plugs and plug wires. Also has a new starter, radiator (which I think might be leaky already because I smell a burnt antifreeze smell when I get home from my 30 mile one-way commute), have cleaned out the egr ports. also Sefoamed recently, but only through the brake booster line.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

It's probably the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) mounted on the transmission itself. Do a search for it, its a fairly common problem.

 

Hey thanks!

Does anyone know where location and either how to replace or remove this part is in the Helms manual?

Thanks.

I have the pdf version and the search feature does not work on the pdf so I have to kinda thumb through it hoping for the best.

 

its easy..two 10mm bolts. I replaced mine around 140k

 

Well mine did that as well, and it ended up being that the alternator was not charging properly... but it might be your vss.

 

Great now where the bleep is it?!?! Thanks.

 

on the back of the tranny right under the throttle body. Has a three wire plug going to it.

 

when that happened in my prelude, they told me it was the instrument cluster itself. does your VTEC still kicks in? if it doesn't than it maybe your VSS (on the top of the tranny) but if your car still drives normal, VTEC is kicking in at the right RPM and everything, then it maybe your instrument cluster itself.

 

I had a battery going bad and it would do that. For some reason, my ABS system starting acting up as well. All problems disappeared when i installed a better battery.

I would:

1) clean all your grounds with a bit of sand-paper before you buy ANYTHING.
2) try switching out batteries w/ a known good battery (from a friends car if possible).
3) then try replacing the VSS sensor

If your car is an automatic, the 'D' light on your dash gear indicator might be flashing as well.

Regarding your antifreeze smell...you probably have a small leak in one of your other non-radiator connected hoses. Probably going to the heater. 10 year old hoses will tend to spring leaks like that when other components are played w/ & removed.
Check all the hoses for tightness as well. (might just be loose).

 

My 91 Accord EX Sport Wagon has an intermittent speedometer problem too. It will quit altogether or sometimes "bounce" off and on. Lately the "S" on the dash for my sports shifting will begin to flash as well.
Today the check engine light actually came on for a moment too.

Any ideas?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RotaryBzzzz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had a battery going bad and it would do that. For some reason, my ABS system starting acting up as well. All problems disappeared when i installed a better battery.</TD></TR></TABLE>
had that same problem. changed the battery and all good.

 

delete

 

delete?

 

If it is your VSS you should get a CEL at some point. Even though it may not be showing check for any codes anyway since it is an intermittet problem.

 

My ignition coil caused my problem. It was shorting out and I ended up having to replace it. It caused the Speedo, ABS, Temp, and all my dash lights to come on. The car would actually shutter when I was driving it .. like it would loose power for a split second. Hope my experience helps.

 

 

my alternator went out about 200 miles after this started happening (95lx)

 

yo vt3 in the future it is a good idea if you input all the symptoms your car is doing when you first ask for help it makes it easier for all of us who are trying to help to know excactly what car is doing and not just sppedo drops to zero ,,,speed sensor would not make abs lite temp and dash lite come on or car shutter if you would have put that info i am sure no one would have suggested speed sensor but actually a short of some kind