My 1996 Acura RL was bought with kind of a problem I haven't had anytime to look into the issue since it was purchased but I'd like to see if anyone has any ideas where to start. So here's the problem: The speedometer is dead, the needle doesn't move at all, the little LCD screen, where the tripometer and odometer is, also doesn't work. I've never seen it work so I don't really know what else it displays. It's been a long time since I've worked on a modern car so any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't know if the 2 are linked or not but ythe cruise control works and seems to hold the same RPM/Speed. Thank you guys so much!

 

Does your Tachometer work? Does the Odometer light up and show a number, but just doesn't advance as you drive? Or does it not light up at all?

Does anything else in your instrument cluster work?

Depending on your answers to the above, it's either your instrument cluster or your speed sensors.

 

Everything else seems to work, tach, temp. guage etc. The odometer doesn't light up at all. Is it even possible for just the speedo to be broken or would the whole cluster have to be broken? And where could I find parts for my RL other than through a dealer? Ifr i were to need a speed sensor? I also need a Right side headlamp... Thanks Megatron!

 

Just search on eBay. 96-97 year models are exactly compatible with yours. You have to check TCS option on cluster if yours are equipped. FYI, 96-04 guage clusters are acutally all compatible. Hope to help you out.

 

I would recommend going to your local dealer and telling them what your issues are, they may be able to help you narrow down the issue and then you can go from there. Normally they will tell you that you need to bring it in, but just ask what they think and what it would take to fix it. It may be something really simple and you can do on your own without paying for it.

 

Bnstreet. There are a couple things you can check yourself. If there is a problem with your car's vehicle speed sensor circuit (VSS circuit ) it should have a diagnostic code (DTC) of P0720 (lots of auto parts stores have diagnostic code checkers now days and will check for codes free.) You can also check for a blown fuse #9 (7.5amp) in the drivers under-dash fuse/relay box. If it's a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) problem you can check for a blown fuse #13 (7.5amp) in the drivers under-dash fuse/relay box. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks guys you've been very helpful, I'll take a look under the dash tonight. And check ebay when I'm done with this post. Is it possible for the car to not show any DTC's but still have a blown fuse? It has been scanned recently, and had no DTC's. Well thanks again guys!

 

Hi there,

I too have experienced this problem. I have traced the issue back to the cluster circuit board. There is a "driver" circuit that controls currnet flow to the windings in the speedometer, and display device (odometer). When this circuit fails, no speed, no milage. I agree with other posters about a new cluster from ebay, I myself have purchased a few from LKQOnline, and have been pleased with them.

 

Sbreland, thank you for your help. I do believe you're right, we hooked up a scan tool tonight to the car and found that the speed sensor is infact working. One other question that has nothing to do with the speedo, where can I find the best price for a headlight assembly? Thanks again!

 

Headlamp assy. Perhaps you could search www.car-part.com an auto recycler website that has participating nation recyclers inventories, and shows price sometimes, with recyclers name and contact number. Also try ebay.