Hi,

My Speedo and odometers just stopped working. Occasionally it will bounce up but will not stay working.

Other symptoms: the indicator lights for the doors, trunk, and brake light are near constant on. This used to be intermittent where they would blink on occasionally but then go off, gradually its gotten more and more consistently on. This condition, however, started 20k miles before the speedo problem.
Current mileage 321k.

Do I need a new cluster or should I check something else first?
How difficult is it to take apart the dash and put a new cluster in?
If it is the cluster, how common of a problem is this (helps determine if I get a used on or a new one)?

Thanks,
Scott

 

I'm not sure what could be causing your indicator lights to stay on, but i think it doesn't have anything to do with the cluster itself, and probably more with a wire somewhere.
As for the speedometer not working, chances are that your VSS went bad, and you need to replace it. The VSS is located on the top of the transmission, you disconect the plug, unscrew the old VSS and put the new one in and don't forget to plug it back.
Just for reference and to help you identify the VSS, here's a picture so you know what it looks like.

 

Thanks.

I guess the good news is I don't have to take apart the dash,
the bad news is that there are a lot of hoses in the way of this,
and the unexpected news is the variation in price from the OE part at $156 and the cheapest OE replacement at $26.59

Thanks again,
Scott

 

Does VSS play any role in running a/c? Some auto parts website suggests if VSS is not working, your a/c wont work, true?