2012 Honda Civic

So this all started two day ago. I had been on vacation for two weeks and my first time driving my car the battery light came on. It's a short distance to work and I didn't have too much of an option to stop so I drove.

Right before I made it to work I hit a stop light and everything started flashing: air bags, abs, check engine, power steering. And the power steering did cut out. I get to work shut the car off and do my shift. Afterwards, I hoped that I could make it home and deal with attempting to change the battery (at the time I assumed that was the cause). This was the not the case. The car started but right when I got on the road I hit the red light. All the issues returned with force and the it died.

Long story short, we replaced the alternator. All issues resolved. Drove home. Was super excited. Later that night I drove out and the issues returned. Car died. Same scenario. At this point I figured the alternator I know is good so we will suck it up and get a battery. Replace it. Issues fixed. Excited once more... Except...

The battery light came back on. And at this point my anxiety levels are through the roof because I spent all I had on those parts and really can't have it dying on me again. Replaced my girlfriends battery a month or so ago in a Mazda and the battery light didn't ever show since install so I am expecting the situation to play out the same.

What could it be? Is there a chance it's just the light or maybe a cheaper fix?

 

cheap possible fixes are all connections associated with both repairs. grounds, plugs and, power wires. dielectric grease on the alternator harness plug if it has one (you haven't stated year or model yet). grounds coming off the alternator and where it connects too. power wires same deal. also "stroke" both power and ground cables if you feel a buldge in the wire anywhere you could have a bad spot inside the cable. a small split ir even a pinhole in the wire coating can cause that. make sure the ends of the wites are clean if you didnt hit them with a wite brush scotch brite ir sandpaper and they dont look bad do it anyway. also just because you replaced the alternator doesnt mean they didnt sell you a defective one.

 

Likely it's a ground from engine to body.