I was wondering if somebody could help me?

I have a 96 civic SI (Canada), i've had since new, i've recently ran into an electrical problem. My speedo and odometer do not work (rpm still does). I'll give a play by play to see if anyone can help me.

I'll start the car, and the speedo needle jumps to about 60 km/h and drop drop down to between 20 and 40 km/h and stay there. i'll start driving and the needle will "wiggle up and down" until i get to the speed of traffic and just stay between 20 and 40 km/h. At this time, my cruise control does not work and my internal headlamp will not work either.

What's really weird is that eventually it will start to work again, whenever it wants to.


i've tried changing the speed sensor and that is not it.

any help will do..

thank you

 

sounds like a grounding problem somewhere. sorry i cant be more specific.

 

if it's the ground wire, no problem...

which ground wire would it be? how do i find it?

do i need a schematic? should I get a maual?

thanks
Miguel

 

Hello

I have the fix you are looking for.

Under the intake manifold you will see a bracket that supports the intake.
Now you will see a bunch of wires running through this space, if you look carefully you will see that the wires are grounded. Not only is the vss(speed sensor) out of wack, but also your oxygen sensors (heater side) will not be working. After you repair the wires do not forget to change the fuse under the dash it will be in the middle row 4th or 5th fuse closest to the door.
I am a class A licenced mechanic.
that will fix the problem
see ya

 

Good to have you on the forum! [sm=welcomesign.gif]

 

Do I need to remove the intake manifold?

You mentioned that I need to "repair" the wires, what do you mean?

do I resolder the wires, do I replace them or what?

thank you in advance

 

I have 95 civicEX doing the same thing only the speedo doesn't jump when you start but does work only randomly. Started to not work after driveing through a rather large puddle of water.
Did you ever get your problem fixed and if so what waws the final solution?
What wire repairs are neccesary? OR was it just replacing the VSS?

 

I still have the problem i haven't been able to fix the problem because it is behind the intake manifold. It is alot of work. as well.... i've also heard that it could be the speed gears in the instrument cluster. I don't know for sure because i haven't looked

I was hoping the mechanic would answer me back???

If it's just a ground wire, i have to find it.....

 

My guess would be the ground because if it was just the gears you wouldnt have the peripheral electrical problems. I would start where sear386 said. Make sure to post your results in case someone else has this problem.

 

It may even be as easy as the engine is not getting a good ground. Id check all those first being that would be a whole lo easier.