I have an 01 Cavalier Z24 with a 2.4L 5-speed. One day i left work and the speedometer wouldn't lift off 0. Then the needle started bouncing up and down some but is on zero most of the time. But sometimes the speedo will start working again but i would say only about 5% of the time. The check engine light also came on and the cruise only works when the speedo isn't messing up. What should i check/replace first? Gauge cluster? Speed sensor?
It sounds like the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) needs cleaned or replaced. Pull it out and examine the gear. If it is worn, replace the VSS. If it doesn't look worn, clean the gear and reinstall the VSS. If the problem occurs after cleaning, replace it. If you pull codes, you likely have a PO500 VSS malfunction code.
Jim
Try the vss first but I was having a problem were mine wouldn't work when the car sat in the sun.I replaced the cluster and it worked like new.
