Questions and Answers
Aftermarket Stereos
Q. Hi, I just found your web site and I've got an odd question: I have a 1995 Honda Civic Ex, 1.6 liter VTEC engine, manual transmission and about 86,000 miles. My problem is this: I have an aftermarket head unit that was installed at a retailer. There is a problem with the unit in that the power seems to cut out sometimes when I step on the breaks, change gears fast, let go of the gas, turn on something electronic ie: high beams, turn signals.
The CD player will cut out but power is still sent to the faceplate because it doesn't turn off but the spindle catches and stops and this also happens on the radio but not for as long a time (CD spins up and continues afterwards.)
I took it to my mechanic and he said that they tested the alternator, distributor and most of the electronics the could and nothing was wrong. I've had the battery replaced, that helped a bit, but it still happens every once in a while and sometimes very often then not at all for a time. It's about time for my 90,000 tuneup and I'm planning to replace the belts and possibly the under drive pulleys.
I was wondering if this might help solve the problem or if it could be something wrong with the grounds on the stereo... (I'm going to take it out this week and see though I'm not sure how to do it yet). There is still a warranty on the head unit until August and I can take it back but I hope it's nothing really serious, maybe just a misconnected ground??
Thanks much in advance.
A. I don't know how much I an help you with this since I do not get involved with aftermarket stereo systems. However, I doubt the problem is in the alternator or battery. What I would suggest is to not mess with it yourself. That will probably void any warranty you have. Better to let the installer figure it out. He knows exactly what he did and how that stereo wires up.
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