96 Civic Clutch makes noise, Speedometer drops to zero

LUVINLIGHT

MEMBER
1996 HONDA CIVIC

I have a 1996 Honda Civic, with about 155000 miles. I installed a stereo about 4 months ago. I'm not sure how related this is, but I noticed that loud basslines would cut off (and sometimes the head unit) when I was driving, especially when I step on the gas or have my headlights on. The headlights dim with the stereo playing. Today I when I parked my stereo was playing. Upon starting the car, when I pushed in the clutch it made a fairly loud grinding sound, and the speedometer dropped to zero. This continues every time. The head unit for the stereo is completely off, no power. Previous to today, I had noticed some hesitation, or 'chugging' in low rpms, (similar feel to running out of gas) where the car bounces a bit, and the shifter along with it, then continues fine. Once again, not sure if this is related. Thank you!

1 Reply

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

Took out the OEM radio completely? I would check out the wiring again very closely and ESPECIALLY the grounding of the system.

One the chugging problem or hesitation at low end. When were the plug wires last changed. I have seen a weak wire or two cause that problem. Thought anyway. Try to seperate these two as I hope or trust they are not related.