Edit: Post w/ Updated Info Added.

I searched this and the DIY forum for this with no luck...

Recently the tachometer on my '92 Civic 5spd. has been acting up, bad enough that I need to replace it. hnoes:

I've read that the ignition coil can cause problems with the tach on some hondas, although I didn't find anything specific to my vehicle.

My question is how do I replace the ignition coil? Also, if I get a replacement from a parts store, is it important that I go OEM(my wallet disagrees with this notion:noes?

I'd really appreciate any input.

 

The coil is under the cap and rotor two bolts.It could also be the engine speed sender inside the dizzy,or the ignitor.If the coil will not work go with a new dizzy or a tack.Also check all your connections.

 

Thanks for your response, here goes mine...

First of all, is replacing the ignitor as easy as replacing the coil? It would be nice if it was cheaper also

As far as the distributer I don't really understand how that would affect the tach but more importantly it was replaced on this car about a year ago by the previous owner. I don't know for sure if the replacement distributor was used or new but she said it cost $1,100 for the part(s) and labor.

Anyway, today it seemed to work fine so I guess my first task will be to take a look under the cap and see if it looks ok and if the connections in that area look good, just as soon as I can borrow someone's garage(weather just started to really suck THIS week, great timing:bs

 

the igniter is under the cap also 4 wires 2 bolts it about 90$.I would just pick up a spare dizzy or 2 at a yard and do some swapping if swapping the tack is no help.Any check engine lights???If not i would shoot tack or loose connection.

 

The yard here doesn't have any civics last time I checked but there's probably a couple somewhere in the surrounding towns.

No check engine lights so far.

As far as troubleshooting a bad connection, do you mean on the gauge cluster itself or wherever the tach connects to the coil?

This may not be related but when the engine's warm and at normal idle if I push the brake pedal the revs drop 100 to 200 rpm and then go back up when I release the brake. I've noticed dimming of the interior lights when you push the brake on other cars which doesn't happen on this car but not a noticeable drop in revs. I thought it might be plug wires (all the bat. cables, grounds, plugs are new) but does that sound to you like a problem with or under the dist. cap? If so I won't bother messing with the tach.

Thanks again.

 

Just the connections from the dizzy and the back of the gauge cluster.

your other q i would say no.

 

1,100 bucks for a dizzy and labor. LOL Whoever paid that got jacked!

A BRAND NEW dizzy costs like maybe 275 MAX. It takes a maximum of an hour to install it. All you have to do is put the three botls in, 2 plugs, and time the motor, it doesn't take but 10 minutes to time the motor. LOL

At least you didn't have to pay for it.

 

I'm having this EXACT problem with my GSR. I took a manual out and started checking points and narrowed it down to my ignitor (Ignition control module) and it's a pain in the ass to change too...You have to take the distributor out and take the heat plate out from the back to get to it, id go with a new dizzy all together.

 

Check your grounds before you go and buy a new distributor...

I had the SAME problem, look for my posts on here...

I swear if people would just search for jumpy tach... I posted TONS of info about how I found out what the problem was and how to fix it.

Good luck...

 

whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa....hold the phone here people....I am sorry but I am getting a shit ton of horrible diagnosis in this thread.

original poster, shoot me a pm and I will be happy to help you properly diagnose the problem. I dont have time to put up a lengthy DIY right now, but if you are truly interested just shoot me a pm and I will deem that as an act that you are interested in actual information.

Scoobs.