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Honda: Why Won't My Speedometer and Odometer Work?

A speedometer or odometer that stops working usually means that your vehicle's speed sensor is failing, or you need to replace the entire gauge cluster. Both fixes are simple and inexpensive to do on your own. Read on to learn how to fix your Honda's failing speedometer and odometer.

By William Henderson - March 11, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2002) and Accord (1992-2002).

Your speedometer and odometer can start acting wonky (or stop working altogether) for two main reasons: either your vehicle's speed sensor or speedometer gauge cluster have failed. Both problems are simple and inexpensive to fix, even for the novice DIY-er. You should diagnose and resolve the problem as soon as you see it, since not knowing how fast you are going can lead to a ticket. Also, in most states you won't be allowed to register a car with a broken speedometer.

Materials Needed

  • 10 mm and 1/4" socket, ratchet, and extension
  • Flashlight or work light
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • New vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
  • New speedometer gauge cluster

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Replacement

A faulty, damaged, or broken VSS can cause your speedometer to fluctuate and completely stop working. Replacing it is easy, and it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. Expect to pay between around $10 to $20 for a new one. Here are some signs that the VSS might be faulty:

  • The speedometer behaves erratically.
  • The check engine light turns on intermittently and sporadically during acceleration.
  • The brakes are sometimes harder to engage than normal.
  • The transmission revs higher before it changes gears.

If you notice one or more of these signs when driving, then you will need to replace the VSS.

Step 1 – Replace the vehicle speed sensor

  • Open hood and locate the VSS. It is in the back of the engine compartment on top of the transmission.
  • Remove the air intake hose and filter.
  • Remove the electrical connector on top of the VSS by squeezing the clip and sliding it off of the sensor.
  • Remove the VSS bolt with a 10 mm socket, ratchet, and extension.
  • To remove the VSS, wiggle and pull it straight out. The drive link, which is a small part that links the speed sensor to the transmission, should come out as well. If it doesn't come out with the VSS, carefully remove it by hand.
  • Insert the drive link into the new VSS and plug it in. The drive link should line up with the shaft, and you will hear a click when it is in place.
  • Tighten the VSS with the 10 mm bolt, and reattach the connector. It will click into place.
  • Replace air intake hose and filter.
  • Figure 1. A vehicle speed sensor (VSS).
  • Figure 2. Location of the VSS.

Gauge Cluster Replacement

When your gauge cluster stops working, it's better to replace it than to try and figure out if the VSS is faulty. Depending on whether you buy a new or used one, expect to pay between $20 to $80 for a speedometer. A mechanic will likely charge you about $280 to install a new one. However, before you decide to pay for labor costs, try to detect and replace the faulty gauge cluster yourself. Here are some signs of a faulty gauge cluster:

  • The gauge fails to illuminate.
  • The gauge readings are inaccurate.
  • The symptoms go away when you tap the dashboard.
  • The cluster turns on and off randomly.

If you notice these symptoms while driving, then the gauge cluster will need to be replaced.

Step 1 – Replace the gauge cluster

  • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws of the dashboard bezels. There is one near the A/C controls and another above the gauge cluster itself.
  • Undo several clips on both sides of the dashboard bezel, and remove it.
  • Use a 1/4” ratchet, socket and extension to remove the wiring cluster from the dashboard.
  • Unplug the harness from the gauge cluster.
  • Plug the stock harness into the replacement gauge cluster/speedometer.
  • Use the 1/4” ratchet, socket and extension to install the new cluster. Make sure you tighten the bolts to a snug fit.
  • Clip and screw the dashboard bezel back into place.
  • The new speedometer should now be functional. Test drive the car to ensure it is working.
Figure 3. Replacing the gauge cluster is an easy fix when your speedometer/odometer stops working.

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