Electrical System Problem

[Kilgore Trout]

I posted this at Honda Tech but no one seems to know the answer. Please help me if you can, no need to flame...


I have a 1998 Honda Civic LX with 80k, it is completely stock.

When it warms up all the electrical systems "flicker". The headlights get bright then dim, VERY dim. The fan speed of the heater blower varies in speed. The guage lights vary in intensity. I have changed the alternator and it still does it. I have also replaced the heavy guage ground wire that connects the front of the engine to the chassis. I have also replaced the battery and made sure the battery cables are good and making good contact. I took it to AutoZone and they did an engine running alternator test and found nothing.

What could be causing this???

Because of the headlight dimming I do not even feel safe driving it at night anymore

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mike97gt]

sounds like a a voltage regulator problem too me... but that was probally built into the alternator you replaced... another thing i would look at is if the PCM controls the alternator in this car.. .

BTW i have no confidince in the autozone tests and the people doing them... the hand held tester they use is a no load test.. .you need too put a load on the system too test it right...

maybe somthing is messing with the pcm ... i would look there first.,.. many late model cars are PCM controled charging system ( shuts it down at WOT) there is nothing else i can think off without seeing the car and testing it myself

 

[Kilgore Trout]

It is strange because it is like the whole electrical system is shorting out but it does not correspond to hitting bumps or anything... It is an AutoZone alternator. Maybe I will bite the bullet and put in the $235 Honda one

 

[Mike97gt]

that may be it.. .but before you do that.. try and see if somebody can load test your charging system for you...

 

[n0v8or]

Don't overlook the possibility of a loose or worn belt or belt tensioner (not sure if Civics have one).

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Hmmm, belt slipping on alternator... Interesting, I will check that. Maybe I did not tighten the alternator down and the belt is slack...