Honda Repair: Continuing Speedometer Problem, 1995 honda accord, speedometer

Question
Hi James.

I got some previous advice from AllExperts Gene, but he seems to be off the list now. So, I'm pasting below the history of our communication. Since then, my friend and I replaced the VSS ourselves, but no change in speedometer function. So now I'm wondering, since the VSS didn't fix it, and the mechanic said the wiring in the harness had checked out, if the used speedometer head they had sold me was faulty all along.

So basically, to date: two mechanics told me the VSS was OK and that I needed another speedometer head. When a used speedo head didn't fix the problem, they checked the wiring, and said it was OK. Since then I independently changed out the VSS. None of this has resulted in a working speedometer/ odometer needle. I've now put $350 into the effort (and I couldn't get the $145 back for the used speedo head because they said I had told them what part I needed. Argh.) In any case, here's hoping you have a fresh approach.

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Subject   Intermittent signal to speedometer
Question -
I have a 1995 Honda Accord DX, 4-door, at 100k miles. About two months ago, the speedometer started acting goofy - it works sometimes, but it doesn't register my speed at other times. When frozen, the needle shows 19 mph whether I'm driving 50 mph or stopped at a stop sign. The needle can shoot up and down while I'm driving continuously, showing an interruption in signal. The odometer is similarly affected at the same time. The tachometer, however, is independent, and works fine all along.

The first mechanic I took it to checked the speed sensor, which had a good signal, so he told me I needed a new speedometer head. He couldn't find a good used one available, so later I took it to a mechanic in a bigger town.

The city mechanic found a used speedometer head for $145 and put it in. The total bill was close to $300. Guess what? It worked for only a few hours, then started working intermittently again. Same deal as before, basically. I took it back to mechanic #2. They then checked the speed sensor (works) and the wiring in the harness, and didn't find any problem in the wiring. So they put the original speedometer head back in the car (because I didn't want the extra 79,000 miles to show on the speedometer display, from the used part, if it wasn't even solving the problem). Then they sent me home and told me they'd "think about it". That was a week ago, and not a peep. Probably not a priority for them, eh?

So now I'm exactly where I was at the beginning, but I'm out $300, and have an extra speedometer head sitting on the floor of my car.

What to do to get a working speedometer? And how much more is it likely to cost me, considering the previous $300 hasn't gotten me anywhere? Thanks so much.
Answer -
Betsy,

You should have checked with me first.
The answer to your problem is very simple.
You have a bad speed sensor. Period.
Even though it checked out ok AT THE TIME of testing, it is still bad.
Simply replace the speed sensor (the piece on top of the transmission) and your car will be fixed.
You should then return the speedo head and demand your $300 back!

Take care and thanks for the question.
Gene/ASE Master technician/Honda Platinum technician  

Answer
Hello well I see that you have a problem. I do think the you can get bad part once in a while. Ithink the we need to back up and try agian. send me your e mail I will look up what I can to help you fix it. I need size of engine and trans auto or standard. electronic dash . I bet it is something easy that everyone has over looked . Good luck