[djSL]

I flipped the switch with no luck, then simply unplugged it, with no luck. Light still stuck on.

This may have something to do with why the PO removed the CEL bulb.

 

[m000035]

Can you get it to flash any codes?

 

[2013GV]

You can just unplug (remove) the nag switch. All it does is supply a ground when it wants to nag you. Removing it, no ground and no nag.

I thought it was a 3 wire switch switching the common to one of 2 positions to reset the check engine light. Removing it will leave the light hard on with no way of resetting it.

 

[Bex]

Personally, I don’t understand why anyone removes the nag at all. Once you find it the first time, it’s simple to find it again and flip the switch.

 

[m000035]

While I would not pull anything apart just to disconnect it, I personally don't understand why anyone who has the gage cluster out would reconnect it.

It doesn't effect anything else when disconnected. It interferes with the other functions of the CEL when left connected when the mileage switch trips -and- you never have to "flip it" again.

 

[djSL]

While I would not pull anything apart just to disconnect it, I personally don't understand why anyone who has the gage cluster out would reconnect it.

It doesn't effect anything else when disconnected. It interferes with the other functions of the CEL when left connected when the mileage switch trips -and- you never have to "flip it" again.

You must have a different year or model. My 92 vitara does not have a plug at the cluster. Instead, it is wired directly to odometer itself. The only plug is under the dash where it connects to the nag switch.

 

[m000035]

You must have a different year or model. My 92 vitara ...

Different year, model AND market. (The Vitara name wasn't used here until '99.)
That pic is from a '94 Tracker, but the '94 Sidekick dash right next to it in my garage is the same.

A set of dikes (wire cutters) can fix the lack of a connector issue!

 

[djSL]

My Vitara is a left hand drive German import. So, basically a 16v tracker.

I disconnected the nag switch from the odometer and it's still defaulting to CEL. I've pulled the dome fuse and it still hasn't reset. I'm going to attempt to pull a code again, but last time I got no codes. (Besides the ready code).

Maybe a hard reset with the battery disconnected is in order.

 

[djSL]

Well, this time I got a code 24. Clear as day. This is the vehicle speed sensor.

Since I already had the cluster loosely installed, I took it back out to inspect for bad traces and found none. Also, I shouldn't get this code while sitting in my driveway (should be moving? Is my understanding)

Edit: it also appears that I don't have a vss.

 

[djSL]

Sorry for the double post, but I think I've stumbled across some interesting stuff.

1. The code on my gauge cluster/head is 61A80 (with an NZ) next to it. According to KickFix's cross reference list, this part number doesn't exist. Hahah!

2. I have no VSS and the VIN states 92 Vitara.

So my guess is this. A previous owner swapped in a gauge head with no VSS (89) and the check engine illuminated. They likely thought this was simply due to the gauge swap, so they removed the CEL bulb.

Unfortunately, it seems I need VSS on this EFI vehicle (despite the car running great now) and I'll have to find a gauge head with this to eliminate the fault.

 

[2013GV]

VSS is inbuilt in the speedo. this will account for the CEL. should have a code tho, altho it might not be smart enough to tell you that the VSS signal is missing.

 

[djSL]

I'm now pulling a code 24 (for the vss). So likely, the PO had malicious intent and put in an older cluster to advertise lower mileage

Hopefully I can find a gauge cluster locally to swap in a vss

 

[2013GV]

yay, progress is being made

 

[m000035]

I doubt that the lack of a VSS would cause no spark. (The subject of this thread.)

I assume it ran at some point before. Or has this been addressed?

 

[djSL]

All running issues related to no spark have been resolved. Now it's the vss code 24 issue

 

[djSL]

I may have found a donor cluster locally, so I can snag the VSS. When researching this, I'm not finding much information as to how the VSS connects to the cluster. I understand polarity isn't an issue and you can simply ground the VSS to its metal frame. However, I'm unsure how to connect the signal wire.

From what I've been reading, the VSS is pin#2 on the 12 pin connector that plugs into the instrument cluster.

What I don't understand is how to get a signal from this pin to the VSS. I shouldn't need a jumper wire....maybe just follow the copper trace from pin#2? I'm assuming the trace would lead to hole in the instrument cluster where a screw is threaded in to make contact with the copper traces/VSS.

Any thoughts?

 

[Bex]

Here, this may help a bit in understanding it’s operation. Our VSS is a reed switch set up:

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[djSL]

Thanks, Bex!

I understand how the reed switch operates; I just need to know if simply installing a VSS and grounding it will resolve the issue (or if additional connections are required for signal)

 

[2013GV]

Thanks, Bex!

I understand how the reed switch operates; I just need to know if simply installing a VSS and grounding it will resolve the issue (or if additional connections are required for signal)

It should be a simple matter of installing the VSS and one side to the VSS input, the other side of the reed switch to ground. as long as the speedo unit has the magnet to operate the VSS it should be "plug and pray"
Are you trying to just get the switch? or the entire speedo module?

 

[djSL]

That's what I was thinking. The part I don't understand is where the vss input is. I can't find any photos detailing it.

I'm hoping to just install the vss by itself, not the whole new speedo