99 EX - All Lights Flicker - Sometimes
 

While driving all dash indicator lights appear to be flickering. This is an intermittent problem which makes it hard to troubleshoot. The SRS light will also sometimes come on then go off. I have had to change the ICM and ignition coil out due to failure (no ignition) about 2 months ago and now I have intermittent ignition problems again and this time I replaced the whole distributor. Are these problems related? I have searched this flicker problem and most answers point to an alternator replacement, wiring harness problem or grounding problems. Is there a true way to determine the resolution to this flickering problem? When checking the voltage (car running) with a DVM the voltage reads 14.5V which I believe is normal. Battery is new. Any help on this would be appreciated.

Tom

mobog, it does not appear to me to be an alternator problem as normally the lights in the entire car like the dash lights and headlights will dim when you let go of the accelerator and then when you accelerate again, it will brighten. That is the normal symptom of an alternator that is starting to go bad. Mine did that for about 3 or more years b/4 it finally stopped charging the battery. your situation with the various sensor lights seem to indicate to me that there is a wiring or grounding problem.

Thanks Mundy5 I was hoping the wiring or grounding is not the problem since the alternator is easiest to repair. I will wait for some other replies hopefully from others who have had this problem and had it fixed.

Thanks again,
Tom

Are your ignition problems now resolved since replacing the coil, ICM, and distributor assembly?

Is the CEL ON?

Regarding the dash lights flicker, is the same flickering also noticeable from the headlights at night? If not,:

1) Replace the current fuse 30 under the dash with a new 7.5A fuse. Was the old fuse damaged or loose?

2) (See diagram below.) Remove the dash lights brightness controller and disconnect the connector. Use a short piece of wire to jump the red wire terminal to the black wire terminal of the free connector. When the lights are turned on with the combination switch, the dash lights should now illuminate at full intensity. If while driving around, the dash lights no longer flicker, then the controller is faulty or the connector/controller connection is loose or damaged.

Attachment 21881

RonJ -Yes, the ignition problem is gone for now but it only been a day since I replaced the distributor. Before it would sometimes run a day or two without incident before going dead. Thing is if let sit for awhile it would always restart. Yes the ECL is on but for a code PO420 catalytic converter failure. I want to say the headlights also flicker but will check to verify. What about the SRS light coming on then off or is this another problem?

If the headlights also flicker, everything except P0420 could be explained by a failing alternator. Start by measuring the voltage across the battery terminals with all the electrical accessories ON. Is the voltage below ~9.5V? You could also have AutoZone test the alternator for you. This is a free service.

Ron this is to confirm the headlights do flicker as well. You mention checking battery voltage - would this be when the problem occurs or anytime? After reviewing other cases of this same problem many had their alternators checked but still shows the alternator is OK. As much as I hate shotgunning parts I guess I will replace the alternator. I will get back to all if this fixes the problem.

Thanks for all for support
Tom

I agree that an AutoZone alternator/battery check may miss an intermittent problem such as yours but, since it's a free service, you don't have much to lose and may actually benefit by revealing the problem.

Nonetheless, before you have your Civic tested or replace the alternator, thoroughly clean with steel wool and tighten the two battery posts/connectors as well as the battery ground wire attached to the engine bay.

Ron I was actually thinking the same about the posts and ground. I will try that - thanks again.

One more thing. Also inspect alternator fuse 15 under the dash to check whether its terminals may be loose or corroded.