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View Full Version : 96 Honda Civic CEL came on Speedometer stopped working but now works


sagguharki
Feb 17, 2012, 08:30 AM
Hi, I was driving and my CEL on my civic came on and my speedometer stopped working. It was late so I drove home and left it for today. Today the same thing the CEL was on but the speedometer is working now?

I'm not sure what could be causing this problem but I did read online that I should check some fuses in particular fuse #15 which is tied to the Speed sensor and Alternator. I Checked it with a multimeter and it is not blown.

TxGreaseMonkey
Feb 17, 2012, 10:37 AM
When the speedometer stops working, do the odometer and trip meter work?

sagguharki
Feb 17, 2012, 10:50 AM
No, they do not work when it stops working.
Only the Fuel level Gauge and the Temperature Gauge work.

TxGreaseMonkey
Feb 17, 2012, 11:41 AM
In that case, besides testing all under dash fuses, focus on the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). Check the connector, but, in all likelihood, you'll need to replace the VSS.

sagguharki
Feb 17, 2012, 01:15 PM
Thanks do you think using contact cleaner on the VSS is a good idea to try and see if its just a dirty connection?
Also, if the VSS is bad does it trip the CEL?

I used to have a 93 civic dx and the speedometer didn't work but it didn't trip the CEL

TxGreaseMonkey
Feb 17, 2012, 01:22 PM
No need for contact cleaner, just remove the connector and clean with abrasive cloth. Yes, a failing VSS will throw a code, causing the CEL to come on. Afterwards, you may want to use a code reader and reset the ECM.

The difference is that, now, the speedometer, odometer, and trip meter don't work. If only the speedometer didn't work, you'd focus on an under dash fuse and the printed circuit board.