Honda Car Forum

Randolph,

Yes, that's an excellent point. I didn't want to scare off suggestions so I
didn't detail all of the work I've done so far...

I *have* seen speed sensor induced speedometer issues. Last winter (when
cold) especially. I didn't replace the VSS, but I took it apart and dinked
around with the contact and magnetic sender. After reassembly and
reinstallation, the speedo at least has been rock solid.

Now, it certainly is possible that the VSS is spitting our noisy pulses
which are not enough to annoy the speedo but are confusing to the cruise
control. If nothing else works, I'll get a scope on the signal and see what
it looks like when I drive around.

---

I don't know about the magnet clutch in the actuator - I didn't think there
was one. As I understand it, the control solenoid is entirely vacuum
operated with three valves: accel, decel, and a third "fail-safe" valve
that is closed only when the system is active. Is there a magnetic clutch too?

Thanks for the advice,
Arthur

Randolph wrote:
> Do you see any anomalies with the speedometer? If so, you could have a
> bad speed sensor. As Victor mentioned, there could be a binding cable
> between the actuator and the throttle body, or the magnet clutch in the
> actuator could be slipping.
>

Arthur Russell wrote:
>
> Randolph,

<snip>

> I don't know about the magnet clutch in the actuator - I didn't think there
> was one. As I understand it, the control solenoid is entirely vacuum
> operated with three valves: accel, decel, and a third "fail-safe" valve
> that is closed only when the system is active. Is there a magnetic clutch too?

The cruise control on my '94 Civic is electric, and it has a magnet
clutch. I guess I extraplated too far when I thought the '91 Accord used
electric actuators as well. Re-reading your original post you clearly
state "vacuum".

OK, sounds good. I was curious because I actually disassembled the cruise
actuator after picking up a spare from a wrecking yard (with the control
box). It's fairly simple inside, and it looked like short of a torn
diaphragm, the solenoid operated valves were the only wear item. However, I
couldn't get in to the diaphragm, so your clutch idea sounded plausible.

I haven't had time to check the linkages/cable travel yet, but that's still
my aim. If it all checks out, and if the VSS output signals are good, I'm
going to have to buy a vacuum gauge and try to figure out what's really
going on!

Thanks again,
Arthur
P.S.

Randolph wrote:
> Arthur Russell wrote:
>
>>Randolph,
>
>
> <snip>
>
>
>>I don't know about the magnet clutch in the actuator - I didn't think there
>>was one. As I understand it, the control solenoid is entirely vacuum
>>operated with three valves: accel, decel, and a third "fail-safe" valve
>>that is closed only when the system is active. Is there a magnetic clutch too?
>
>
> The cruise control on my '94 Civic is electric, and it has a magnet
> clutch. I guess I extraplated too far when I thought the '91 Accord used
> electric actuators as well. Re-reading your original post you clearly
> state "vacuum".