Honda Repair: cruise/speedometer cable, speedometer cable, honda accord ex

Question
Hi Travis, I have a 1991 Honda accord ex with 340,000 but the engine was changed out so I'm not sure on it's miles. Recently, the speedometer and cruise sporadically work and quit. When they quit, the engine sometimes feels like it is bogging down as if the air conditioner is on and when the speedometer starts working again, the car seems to roll freer. It's like is slows down the car. I can't tell if this affects the gas mileage because of the odometer not working, but I'm pretty sure it does. I don't have much money to start trying to just replace things, I need some expert advice leading to a speedy recovery. Winter makes it hard for me to work on the cars, after age 50 the cold can hurt. Please help. Thank you Bettyann

Answer
Bettyann, terrific milage on your Accord Ex. Unfortunately you really need to start replacing things. With 340K on the vehicle I need to ask when was your last tune-up? Trust me these cars are great but, if you neglect them they will leave you in the same condition.

Tune-ups should occur every 30K once you hit 120K. Spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every 60K after 120K. So every other tune-up replace the fuel filter.

The VSS (variable speed sensor) needs to be replaced. The cruise control cable needs to be replaced. And the throttle cable should be replaced. I think the cables are stretched from years of abuse and need to be replaced or adjusted to there appropriate operating level. Once installed these components should be adjusted professionally.

Start here...