So my wife's 1997 Accord EX Wagon Auto Transmission started acting up. The check engine light came on and read as a P0501, Vehicle Speed Sensor Range/Performance. The speedometer also would occasionally jump up to 20mph and back down when idling at a stop or in park. while driving the speedometer would also occasionally jump around randomly before settling back to the accurate speed reading. From my research I determined that this was most likely the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). There were two VSS that I found for the car. The one that my research led me to believe was the defective one is Honda part #78410-SV4-003, #13 in the picture below. This sensor is the same part number and similar locations on both the auto and manual transmissions.



This part was $112 HondaPartsNow, $75 from Advance Auto Parts, & $7 from Ebay. (Each site is a link to the item). Given the price differences I decided that I would risk the $7 part because if it failed, I was only out $7.



I didn't undo the battery but I probably should have since this is an electrical component and I would recommend you do so. I ended up disconnecting it anyway to reset the check engine light. I then removed the air filter cover and intake tube for access to the area. I also removed the 10mm bolt circled in red in the second picture to allow a little play in the cord for easier access to the sensor.





The sensor is at the top back of the automatic transmission near the rear mount under the thermostat housing. Disconnect the sensor connector. Remove the two 10mm bolts securing the sensor. There is one on each side. Carefully remove the sensor. My sensor came with a new drive pin so I used it but reusing the old one probably wouldn't be an issue.











Here are the old and new sensors.





Make sure the drive pin is back in place with the paddle side down and square shaft side up. Place the new sensor on the square driveshaft. It may take a little bit to get it centered and seated correctly. Reinstall the two 10mm bolts and hand tighten. I don't know the torque specs for these bolts so I just snugged them with a ratchet. Reconnect the sensor connector. Put everything back you moved to access the area.





I then disconnected the battery for a minute to reset the check engine light and took the car on a test drive to make sure it didn't come back on. The sensor appears to be working correctly but only time will tell if the cheap sensor lasts. I will update this thread if it ever fails.

During my research I saw one example where this part failure involved significant corrosion at the connector. My pins and connector were clean but yours may need cleaned.

While I was working I noticed that I have a pretty good oil leak that appears to be coming from the inside on the distributor. It doesn't appear to have damaged the heater hose underneath it yet luckily but it definitely needs fixed. I have already replaced both the internal and external seal on my 95 Accord EX Wagon so I am familiar with the process detailed in the FAQ guide and will be performing the repair on this car now as well. I might as well do both seals at the same time on this car too. My 95 Accord EX was an OBD-I Hitachi distributor that used the internal seal part #KOK 3286. This is the same part number required for the internal seal of my 97 Accord EX OBD-II Hitachi distributor. If you have a TEC distributor you will need internal seal part #NOK BH3888. They are not interchangeable. You can enter your VIN number into a honda parts website to find out which one you have.

 

Excellent post and well written Thanks for sharing!

 

Great post. I just did this a few weeks ago when replacing the manual transmission on my Accord and your write up is pretty much spot on.