Rep Power: 0

196,000 miles. Shifts fine and runs good,. I am buying the car and trying to figure out what is responsible for the speedometer not working.

 
Rep Power: 517

Do a gauge cluster self diag test, see if the speedo needle will sweep min-max-min along with the rest of the needles.

 
Rep Power: 0

Tony the speedometer does not sweep. I tried it a number of times. In your opinion what would that indicate? I took possession of the car today-changed the oil(around qt. and a half low. Changed air filter and wiper blades. Back in college I had a 74 Civic. This is the first one I have driven since then. I am 64 and not as limber as days of yore. It runs great-had timing chain and water pump replaced at 170,000 and installed a new radiator. Good acceleration. I have to get the speedo fiver before I get a ticket. Thanks, Steve

 
Rep Power: 517

Who is Tony?
Replace the gauge cluster.
So it's a consumer or a leaker, you need to keep ahead of the oil loss so it doesn't become catastrophic.

Check oil level with every tank of gas until you can reliably establish how fast the consumption rate is.

Also keep an eye on the coolant level in the overflow bottle AND in the radiator.


The previous owner got rid of the car for a reason, now you get to discover what that reason may have been.

 
Rep Power: 0

She bought red Chevy convertible. She probably didn't know how to pop the hood and I am pretty sure she never checked the oil level. I will look into a instrument cluster. Thanks for your input.

 
Rep Power: 0

Went to a local u-pull salvage yard (Bessler U-pull in Hebron Ky) where there a good number of Civics to choose from. I found a 2003 ex with gauge cluster intact. Removed the salvage gauge cluster and installed it in the 2004. Speedometer now works as well as the tach and other gauges. Total cost $ 35.00. Thanks for the solid advice!.Steve

 
Rep Power: 517

Right on!

Make notes about the odometer readings being different, document the mileages of both units, you'll need this info when it comes time to sell the car.
Make sure you disclose the fact the odometer has been changed to the next owner,

.....At work we have (had?) odometer change stickers to be placed in the drivers door jamb whenever we have to do anything that involves a mileage/odometer change to a different number (I write both odometer readings when a replacement is not set at zero)



May not be a big deal to a private party repair like yourself, but as a professional I must fill out the sticker and place it in the door jamb.