Hi,
I've got a 1998 Accord, and the speedometer doesn't work. The speed sensor has been replaced, and the mechanic said he tried a couple, thinking the first was bad. But, still no speedometer. The mechanic now thinks it's the connector that plugs into the speed sensor.
I took out the sensor yesterday, and then cleaned off the contacts on the connector. I also lubricated the contacts with a little dielectric grease. Still, no speedometer.
The Check Engine Light remains on. The code is PO500, which is the Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit malfunction.
To complicate matters, the car is a manual transmission, and the connector to the speed sensor is unavailable unless you want to buy the whole wiring harness for about $450. Maybe a junk yard would have one, but there were only about 10% of Accords with a manual, and the automatics apparently have a different connector (can anyone verify?).
So, if anyone has any relevant info, please share it with me.
Thanks
Randy
1998 Honda Accord, 2.3 4-cyl., manual trans.

 

It would be best to test the VSS wiring on your car. Refer to a service manual for the detailed steps.

Only the manual transmission uses the traditional VSS for the speedometer. On the automatics, the speedometer circuit gets the pulses from the PCM; which it reads from the output shaft speed sensor (aka countershaft speed sensor).

 

Turn the key to the II position and unplug the VSS. The blk/yel wire should have 12V to ground. The blu/wht wire should have 5V to ground. I use a valve cover bolt or the negative battery terminal as my ground. The black wire should have continuity (zero resistance) to ground.

 

I pulled off the connector. The wires have the correct voltage, but when I insert the probe into the connector the black/yellow doesn't have anything. So, the connector is bad. I need to find one, or try to repair mine.
If anyone knows where to find this connector please let me know.
Thanks again,
Randy

 

Where on the wire harness did you measure 12V for the blk/yel wire? On the back of the connector?

 

I measured the 12V on the blk/yel wire itself. It actually pulled out of the plastic connector...probably by someone who pulled on the wires instead of the connector when they changed the sensor. I am pretty sure that's the problem; the conductor in the connector is separated. I tried to repair it without success.
However, I do think I have found a new replacement. It's made by Dorman, part
645-916. It looks the same in this photo:
Dorman Products - 645-916
If it doesn't work I will likely go to the Pick a Part and try to find one on a junked car.
Randy

 

Problem solved with the new connector. The Dorman product was a good match for the original connector.
Randy

 

nice you let us know what the solution was.