so my buddy has a jdm rhd crx. his cel came on and flashed 17 times, which is supposed to indicate a vss problem? if we were to buy a vss, can i use a us part( he has a zc in there, probably a zc tranny too) or does it have to be the japanese equivalent? his speedometer reads in km if that makes a difference.

 

The electrical part of the VSS is in the gauge cluster. I would guess there may just be a continuity issue with that wire to the ECU. if the vss itself is bad, the only solution i am aware of is to replace the gauge cluster.

Is the speedometer working? if it is not, then the transmission cable probably broke.