2001 Honda Civic Speedometer Problem- PLEASE HELP!

Dubchef

Hi, I am having a problem with my 2001 Honda Civic 1.4S, which started back about 4 or 5 months ago. All the Dials- Speedometer, Rev Meter, Fuel Gauge and Heating Gauge went to ZERO as I was driving along the motorway. They came back to normal after 15-20 miles. As of late it is happening evry 2/3 days , but still comes back on after 15 miles or so. Mainly happens when starting the car, as opposed to while Im driving. Does anyone know what the problem could be with my car as it is getting quite annoying? Could it be a loose connection or wire or sensor? Has this problem ever happened to any one with the same model Honda Civic? Would gladly appreciate your comments, Cheers!

germanhelp

The dials in the Civic are electrically based, given the entire dash fails, you are right in assuming that it's a sensor fault or similar. It could simply be a grounding fault. Easiest thing to do at this stage is to remove the guage and clean the connectors to see if this resolves the issue. If not, perhaps look at getting a 2nd hand one from a scrap yard.

Dubchef

Thanks German, I am terrible with cars tho, so would i be best to bring the car to a mechanic? Is it a big job to clean the connectors?

germanhelp

At the back of the dials there's a connector that they plug into. Normally, you'd take this out and check for an oxidation of the contacts, etc. These can please cleaned with any solvent (alcohol, etc). Re-fit them.

If this doesn't work, you'll pick the dials up from a scrappy for about €40.

Now this is pretty easy, though if you are not electrically/mechanically minded it might look daunting. Any friends that could help?

Of course a mechanic could do this.

Dubchef

Hello again Germanhelp. Thanks for info. So basically ye reckon all I need to do is clean the connection wire to the dash board. Would rather not bring to mechanic as wood cost money, may c if any friends of mine would no how to do it.