So I finally got me a '96 Odyssey a week ago, but last night I pulled into a parking lot for a minute, left it running in park, then the second I shifted into drive the check engine light came on, and a minute later I saw that the speedometer, the odometer (and the tripmeter) had all stopped working.

I am guessing that this is probably the VSS-speed sensor? which runs about a hundred bucks, but thought I would try here and see if maybe it could be a fuse or if there might be some other cause;
I am getting my Chilton manual today but I thought I would see if anyone here has had experience with this.

mileage is 149K, LX model

 

sounds like the vss but you need to check the code and it will tell you what it is. and you should check wireing and plugs before you go dump 100 bucks on it.

 

can you recommend a good place to get a code reader?
I have these stores in my area:
Autozone
Advance
Oreilly
Pep Boys
Napa

 

Most AutoZones will read OBD-2 error codes for you free of charge.

You need to know the code(s) before you start throwing parts at it.

The problem is most likely related to the VSS, but it's possible that something else is affecting the circuit rather than the sensor itself.

 

Yeah I might go the freebie route, I am kind of poor right now, though I would like to get a reader when I can.

 

the code is PO501: Vehicle Speed Sensor Range/Performance

 

Scangaue II- tells you EVERYTHING about what almost any vehicle is doing. Reads & clears codes, tells engine performance, fuel consumption rate, digital tach & speedo, temp, oil press etc. Also will tell you what the engine was doing when the code occured.

www.scangauge.com

 

Yeah replaced the VSS a couple days ago, CEL went out, speedo and odometer working fine again, then about 100 miles later the CEL came on again, going to Autozone again today to get the code.