Mechanical Problems & Technical Chat - Bad alternator??

Last week I was driving, all of a sudden the car felt a bit strange. The "SRS" ( airbag light ) came on I pulled over and let off the clutch, at that moment the car died. I spoke to a friend and he suggested to remove the fuse from my aftermarket stereo. After I did the car started back up, I was able to get it home. Prior to the incident I had been noticing the car was struggling to start every once in a while. Currently the car is starting but it takes a few secs, come to think of it i should go check again today. So my question is, Was this an alternator problem part on by my aftermarket stereo? and if so What are my options now, a bigger alternator?, a stock alternator with a capacitor?




1998 Honda Civic EX

How big is the aftermarket stereo? Start your engine and put a voltmeter on the battery. It should be between 13.5V and 15V.

I have 2 350 watt subs, with front components (i'm not positive of the watts) and rears, its funny b/c I don't think the stereo was even playing when it happened. The lights in my car have been dimmed though since I put in the stereo.

If your airbag light comes on in these situations, it's a good indication your car can't keep up with the electrical demand. Honda airbags tend to set inermittent fault codes when the voltage drops below a certain point. It doesn't take much though, because I've seen them come on when the voltage was as high as 12.2 (engine off). You may have had a surge in the system, and that kicked the light on. So, while your checking the voltage with car running, turn on your accessories one by one and see what happens.

okthe voltage while the car was running was 13.5 but i have to try it again while turning on all the components.