The gauge assembly receives battery voltage at all
times through fuse 56 and through fuse 20 (’96-’03)
with the ignition switch in ON (ll) or START (lll). The
gauge assembly also receives battery voltage
through fuse 55 and the gauge relay with the
ignition switch in ON (ll) or START (lll).

Speedometer and Odometer

The speedometer and odometer drive circuits
receive pulses from the vehicle speed sensor
(VSS). The pulse rate increases as the vehicle
speed increases. This speed signal is converted
and displayed by the speedometer, odometer, and
trip meter.

Tachometer

The tachometer drive circuit receives pulses at the
rate of three pulses per engine revolution from the
powertrain control module (PCM). The pulse
frequency increases as the engine speed
increases. This speed signal is converted and
displayed by the tachometer.

WARNING

Do not smoke while working on the fuel system.
Keep open flame away from the work area.
Drain fuel only into an approved container.

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge contains two intersecting coils and a
permanent magnet rotor assembly which displays
the fuel level even with the ignition switch in the
LOCK (0) position. The fuel gauge sensor controls
the magnetic field which varies the current to the
fuel gauge and causes the gauge pointer to move.
The fuel gauge indicates a full tank when the
sender resistance is 3.5 to 5 ohms. The fuel gauge
indicates a half tank when the sender resistance is
29.5 to 35.5 ohms. The fuel gauge indicates an
empty tank when the sender resistance is 105 to
108 ohms.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (’96-’02)

The engine coolant temperature gauge contains two
intersecting coils and a permanent magnet rotor
assembly which displays the coolant temperature
even with the ignition switch in the LOCK (0)
position. The coolant temperature sending unit
controls the magnetic field which varies the current
to the coolant temperature gauge and causes the
gauge pointer to move. The coolant temperature
gauge indicates hot, 85

C (185

F) to 100

C (212

F), when the sender resistance is 46 to 30 ohms.
The gauge indicates cold, 56

C (133

F), when the

sender resistance is 137 ohms.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (’03-’04)

The main circuit built into the gauge assembly
controls the engine coolant temperature. The main
circuit receives its input signal from the Engine
Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) through the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The Engine
Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) is a
temperature dependent resistor (thermistor) whose
resistance decreases as the coolant temperature
increases.

Outside Air Temperature Display

The outside air temperature display receives
temperature information from the outside air
temperature sensor through the BRN/WHT wire.
The gauge assembly converts this signal into a
digital display. The climate control system also uses
this sensor.

Refer to the Service Manual (Section 23, Electrical)
for specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.

2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Circuit Index

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