You can't do the jumper wire trick on the OBD-2 ECU's. Your gonna have to get it checked with an actual scan tool. My guess is VSS is malfunctioning. does it affect engine performance? Is your engine bogging out or hesitating at any point in the whole operating range?

 

This statement is incorrect. The 96-98 Civic service manual says otherwise:

 

I stand corrected, thanks for the info.

I'm used to GM vehicles (trucks mostly) and they cannot be checked that way. But i have a scan tool so i have nothing to worry about.

 

so the light came back on this morning, i'll test it again tonight to see it works with the paper clip.

so, the steps are the following:
turn car off
connect paper clip to jumper
turn key to on

wait for light to flicker.

is this correct?

 

Correct -- Try the paper clip or other improvised jumper wires until the CEL blinks out the code(s).

 

so i tried this again last night, and it worked, i got the fault code 17 (VSS issue).
I've seen a post on here that the vss can be rebuilt, I saw the instructions on here through a search, will it work, it seems simple enough? or should I just replace it?

as well, once I fix or replace the vss how do i turn off the check engine light?
thanks

 

Remove 7.5A BACKUP fuse in under-hood fuse/relay box for 10 seconds and then reinsert.

 

what do you think about my other question, the vss?

 

Sorry, I don't have any knowledge on rebuilding a VSS. My recommendation would be to purchase a new replacement or get one from a salvage yard to save some money.

 

Alot of things can be rebuilt but you'd be better off replacing it. Most people don't rebuild or rework anything anymore, cuz it's easier to go and buy the parts. not like in the old days when you could rebuild a distributor, alternator, starter, carb and all that stuff with kits, now there is not such thing. But with sensitive electronic components it's best to replace. It woudn't really last that long afterwards anyway.