I have a 1998 Dx. I need to check out the speed sensor since my speed/odometer only work when they want to. How easy is this and does anyone have a diagram and explanation they can give for this procedure?

 

1) Is the Check Engine Light ON?

2) Is fuse #15 in the under-dash fuse/relay box blown?

3) The picture shows how to troubleshoot the VSS/ECU circuit.

See my following posts for VSS troubleshooting.

[IMG]local://upfiles/25538/D5D9267A579D443192489A4B5EC16F62.jpg[/IMG]

 

Yes, the check engine light is on. The #15 fuse is okay.

 

I assume that you retrieved the CEL code and that it indicates a problem only with the VSS.

Good luck with the troubleshooting!

 

I am not sure of the code, but I'll find out tomorrow. I am aware of the problem with the wiring harness getting shorted by the intake manifold, but I have no blown fuse. So I figure I will start with the VSS and check that component...

 

ya if the CEL light is ON it will probably just be the speed sensor....

BUT BE WARNED!!!!!!!! when you replace the speedsensor IT IS VERY FRAGILE!!!!! learned that the hard way!
busted a new speedsenor and also busted the mounting gear piece as well when puting it back in as well....
had to trash them both....
ended up buying a used sensor and gear piece...... tho it turns out mine was fine, it ended up being the actual speedometer in the cluster....
but i didnt have a CEL light on, just have that CEL light checked out but most likely it will say speedsensor bad..... fairly easy fix as long as you BE CAREFULL when instaling the new or used pieces! its made of potmetal and that stuff will SNAP and break quicker than you can blink if its not SET IN the hole perfectly!
just be sure its in the hole and flush before you EVER try puting in the mounting bolts!

 

If you are saying that you found a shorted wire on the VSS circuit, then you might solve the problem simply by repairing the damaged wire.


Additional VSS troubleshooting diagrams are shown here and in the next post.

[IMG]local://upfiles/25538/A5A6368BBF8542809F6ED595F34DBFB5.jpg[/IMG]

 

Last picture...

[IMG]local://upfiles/25538/6813E4E38F0A4547B83FBBA998BCF9E6.jpg[/IMG]

 

Add2bass, thanks for the advice if I need to replce the sensor. Looks like I can get these pretty easily and cheaply online. RonJ, I think I misspoke. I actually meant that I ruled out a shorted wire as I read this is pretty common. In the discussion below, it sounds as though fuses will blow if the harness mentioned in the discussion gets too hot:

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-tr...vic-67712.html

But, OTOH, I suppose a short in the VSS wires may not blow a fuse anyway. The exact symptoms are that the speed sticks around 0-20 mph during acceleration/ no odometer turnover either. But then they will work on rare occasion (maybe 0-5% of the time).

I really appreciate the diagrams, I'll be getting into this problem this weekend and hopefully get somewhere.

 

I took a few pictures of what I think might be the VSS, but I'm not %100 sure. There is only one visible bolt and I unplugged the connector. Look familiar to anyone...