I have a problem with my 1991 Camaro. The speedo/odometer will not work for the first 5 minutes when the car is started, then the SES light will come on (code 24, VSS problem) and 1 minute later the speedo will jump up and start working. I'm sorry, I know I have seen posts similar to this before but I can't remember what solved the problem.

 

Sounds like an electrical gremlin. Start tracking down the wires and check for shorts, and look for obvious signs of damage. It could be a faulty VSS, ECM, or buffer box, but given the age of these cars now I'm always more prone to suspect wiring problems first and replace expensive components later.

 

I had the same problem with a 99 Dodge Van and it was the VSS unit. It would work some times especially after certain speeds. I would replace the sending unit myself, they're not that expensive.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Most of the sensors on my car need or have been replaced, anyway. I will check the wires and then see about getting a new VSS.

 

what about on say an 87 camaro? they are cable driven correct? its throwing the vss code but could that be because the cable doesnt work?

 

I have exactly the same problem and it sucks. I got under the car and found my VSS sensor. It was leaking probably by an old O-ring. I haven't replaced it yet but I tightened the bolt a little harder and now the VSS is working a little better. By this I mean that when the engine is hot and driving at speeds over 35, the speedo will come alive. Before it didn't work at all. This is something and proves that maybe the VSS is the culprit. I will change it soon. They are about $55 at Autozone but need to be ordered. I was wondering if somebody could tell me if the leak may have something to do with it or not. Tracing the wires is kind of hard because the cables coming out of the VSS after a short distance goes directly up into the firewall area probably into the buffer or ECM. Could somebody tell me where the buffer is located. I know where the ECM is, but where can I see and check where the VSS cables are initially connected to. I understand that on 91 Camaro's the speedo is entirely electrical right?. So where is the cable going into the cruise control system. Sorry for all the questions but I am really curios to learn the entire wiring system of the speedo. I am attaching a picture of my leaky VSS. It is probably like yours.

 

Your '87 still has a VSS. It is built into the back of the speedometer in the gauge cluster. The ECU doesn't know anything about the cable driven part, but if the cable is bad and the VSS isn't spinning it could cause it to throw a code.

The buffer box should be located behind the driver's side kick panel if I remember correctly.

The VSS wire is teed into the cruise control after the buffer box. That's how it gets it's VSS signal.

 

yeah my cruise control doesnt work either not since i had my alarm put in they are going to fix that though. im hoping its just the cable