I have an '89 Firebird and the trip odometer and the odometer has gone out on it. I've been told it's my VSS. I did a search, found some things, but found nothing too definitive as to what I need to fix my problem. My speedometer works fine; the only problem on my dash cluster are the odometers. Also, if you know how to take all this apart that would be helpful as well. I've never messed around with anything in my dash, but it's been about 2,300 miles since this thing broke and I want to keep original miles. Much Thanks!
-John

 

theres a tech article on this for a camaro but should be the same for all 3rd gen analog gauges.

You can rule out the VSS if you speedo is still working.

as far as taking it apart get yourself a haynes manual as it will come in very handy with a 3rd gen.

Okay went and looked and it isn't in the tech articles it's in the FAQ board here is a link.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...-fix-pics.html

 

Thanks for the advice on the Haynes manual. I talked to JamesC and he told me this,

"The "fix" in the tech article repairs the trip odometer in a mechanical speedo head (82-89 Camaro). Your 89 Firebird will be electric, so I'm unable to provide much assistance. My guess is that, if the speedo itself doesn't function, your VSS is shot. A search will turn up some info on that."

I also spoke to a member named Dyno Don and he agrees with what JameC says. Yesterday I took off my dash and played around with the cluster, but never took it off. I'll probably get around to that next week or later since I don't have enough money to replace the VSS just yet anyways. Thanks for everyone's help

-John

 

I know that your firebird has an electric speedo, but do you have digital gauges or the analog ones? If you have the analog ones is the odometer a mechanical clicker type, or a digital read type?

If the answers are analog with a clicker type odometer, than it is going to be the same basic repair as the "fix it" article

If your speedo is functioning properly than it is definately not your VSS.

 

Ok well thank you for the input! It's an analog with a clicker type odometer. I'll find out when I take the cluster off. It will be fairly easy to tell if it's just the J hooks missing. I'll probably post pictures in the next month. Thanks again,
-John