2001 Honda Civic Speedometer works intermittently

lonestarsally · Posted at Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:26 pm

Electrical problem
2001 Honda Civic 4 cyl Automatic 205056 miles
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2001 Honda Civic EX: mileage 205056. Speedometer works intermittently. Told that cluster assembly (instrument cluster) had to be replaced at a cost of $816.67. Assembly was sent to sublet to calibrate odometer. It took him 3 months to calibrate. Dealer said he was running it 24/7. Sublet calibrated 7000 miles too high. Dealer wants to remedy by removing odometer info from old assembly to new assembly. Called a speedometer shop in CA that was metioned in Honda Service News and he said he could recalibrate to correct mileage in one day. Why did it take one shop 3 months and another can do it in one day? He also said he would not recommend transferring info from old assembly to new? What should I do?

KHLow2008 · Posted at Wed Jul 23, 2008 1:54 am

Hi lonestarsally,

Hmmmm, so he installed the speedometer onto a motor to run it for 3 months to calibrate it?

Running the speedometer to get the calibration is akin to getting an old speedometer as it has been operating for so long.

I have seen people doing it for less than 1/2 a day. It was done electronically.

Something looks fishy.

I have no suggestions or comments on what you should do but the guy doing the job now is definitely not up to the mark.

Btw before changing the speedometer, was it confrmed that the speed sensor was not faulty?

lonestarsally · Posted at Wed Jul 23, 2008 5:05 am

There is no indication on the paperwork that they checked the speed sensor and he did not mention having done so. Credit card company says I have to give them the opportunity to fix their mistake before I can dispute. Their "remedy" is to try to transfer the information from the old cluster to the new cluster to get the correct (lower) odometer reading. What does that involve and what would the potential future problems be?

KHLow2008 · Posted at Wed Jul 23, 2008 5:45 am

Hi lonestarsally,

No idea how they are going to do it, just pray hard that things comes out well.

After job is completed, test the working of the speedometer and get a second opinion if you are not satisfied.

Don't forget to ask about the warranty terms.