Power loss & speedo drops to zero

CHEVROLET IMPALA
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UZI9MM
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I have been experiencing an intermittent problem. The speedo suddenly drops to zero and there is a noticeable loss of power which can eventually result in stalling if the rpm's drop too low i.e. slowing down at junctions etc. I am not sure if this could be something to do with a clutch refit carried out on the vehicle, as the problem has been evident since then.

Can anyone shed any light on what the cause might be?
Jan 21, 2006 at 7:36 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Give the shop the clutch-repair history and ask it to capture the speed signal and electrical supply during an actual fault. Inspect connections disturbed during the repair.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: This question and its visible discussion. The roadmap distinguishes the original owner's reports from other participants' experiences; proposed follow-up is editorial guidance, not a confirmed diagnosis. Fluke: Diagnosing voltage drops https://www.fluke.com/en/learn/blog/automotive/electrical-automotive-troubleshooting General support for loaded circuit testing; use matching vehicle specifications.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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DRAPER
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I'm not sure if you are having the same problem I did. I thought I had something major wrong in the electronics of my zetec. Turns out ford ran the positive battery wire to close to the exhaust causing to much heat and resistance and in some cases fires. Hope that helps
Jan 22, 2006 at 1:40 AM
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DRAPER
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That positive wire problem also caused my focus to lose almost all powere and sometimes die. I.e. taking a corner or acceleration
Jan 22, 2006 at 1:47 AM
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UZI9MM
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Thanks for the info Draper and I will certainly look into this but I suspect that my problem may be electronically based as it always coincides with the speedo completely cutting out. As it only occurs intermittently it is not something a mechanic can easily investigate as, true to form, it never does it when in the hands of the experts!
Jan 22, 2006 at 4:05 AM
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DRAPER
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I believe that the NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS has a recall list of all cars. Maybe that would have some info for you to use. Havea good one
Jan 22, 2006 at 5:40 AM
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UZI9MM
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Cheers mate I will give it a go! :D
Jan 22, 2006 at 6:39 AM

Discussion summary

Power loss & speedo drops to zero

The owner described intermittent loss of power with the speedometer dropping to zero, sometimes followed by stalling. The symptoms had been noticed since a clutch replacement. Another participant described a battery-cable problem on a different vehicle.

Reported outcome: No cause or repair was confirmed.

The timing after clutch work does not prove that the work caused the fault. A battery-cable anecdote and suggestion to search recalls were not verified for this vehicle.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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