If your check-engine light is on, READ THE ERROR CODE. Why would you want to guess about it when the ECU knows how to store & display that error code?

The ECU looks for the signal from the VSS, & it WILL set the CEL if the signal isn't good. But it's always possible that the VSS itself is good, & the circuit to the ECU is good, but the circuit to the cluster is bad. Or some other combination... The CEL error code says which system isn't right, but the ECU can't tell the difference between a bad VSS or a broken wire. Reading the error code is only the beginning of figuring this out.

 

when the vss is lose the check engine light will not turn on and ur speedometer will do crazy things from nowhere. but yeah i aggree if the light is on, why even try to guess what it is when u can just drive to autozone and they check it for free just ask for it or u can do it urself manually.

 

Just get a new SPEEDO gauge thats what i did, works fine

 

It looks like I fixed mine. CEL was on but a problem was solved with new Speedo.
I think that was wierd.

 

Can I buy just a speedometer or do I have to buy all the gauges? Also, where can I buy one of these?

 

I'm afraid that you have to buy all gauges. Check eBay or local jank yard.

 

I disagree, I've seen from experience VSS's that were bad and never caused a Mil light to come on. Never caused a DTC to store...I seen on a factory scan tool in the data list no speed signal. The VSS isn't high up on the inputs needed for engine operation. See my previous post

 

OBD-1 flashing-lignt code 17 is for VSS.
OBD-2 scanner code P0500 is VSS for MT cars.
OBD-2 code P1791 is VSS for AT cars.

It may be that only certain cars ECU watches the VSS. For example without a VSS signal it won't engage VTEC; so maybe that means a non-VTEC ECU doesn't care whether the VSS is present or not? AT cars since maybe '94 use the VSS to decide shifting strategies.

 

I'm probably going to buy the cluster online, I've found a few on eBay. Now for the removal/installation, is it easy or should I pay a shop to do it? Also, since the mileage probably wont match, is there a way to fix that or is that not a big problem?

Thanks, Chris

 

you can just replace the speedo it's like $150 or so new at the dealer I replace them all the time for the problem you described if vss is bad the check engine light will come on ,also the D4 light will flash if auto