Honda Repair: 1991 Honda Prelude SI, 1991 honda prelude, mechanical speedometer

Question
QUESTION: We have a 1991 Honda Prelude and the whole dashboard went out - no speedometer, odometer, trip meter, turn signals, etc.  We took it to our mechanic but he couldn't figure out what was wrong.  Please help.

ANSWER: Taking into consideration that your speedometer and odometer are essentially linked together- a problem with your speedometer cable could be the issue there. Gauge cluster should be removed and inspected as well as both ends of the speedometer cable: at the back of the gauge cluster and at the input for the transmission. (That is considering you have a mechanical speedometer cable and not an electronic.) I am assuming your mechanic checked all the in-car fuses and under-hood fuses? Next he should have checked all grounds in the engine bay. There should be 3 total. Hazard switch should be removed/inspected/tested. The hazard switch is a relay for your turn signals on certain models. If this info still does not fix your problem try replacing the gauge cluster and or inspecting/testing common relays. Remember these are just general areas for inspection and we are trying to simplify the problem. Let me know if this worked...

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QUESTION: Thank you for responding.  My husband informed me that our mechanic replaced the turn signal fuse and everything worked (speedometer, gas gauge, etc.)  The minute the car was put in reverse, the turn signal fuse blew and nothing worked.

Answer
Replace the fuse with an appropriate sized fuse. Without putting the car in reverse step on the brake pedal. Does this cause the fuse to blow? If not, then put in reverse and verify that it blows the fuse again. Inspect/remove the tail lights and verify that there are no damaged wires amongst the tail light wiring harnesses for both sides of the vehicle. Check all bulbs. If you still have not found the problem you can check on the transmission to see if there is damage to the reverse switch/solenoid. If problem still persists i would recommend taking to a reputable Repair shop to trace the electrical problem and locate the damage. Let me know if this worked...