Hi,
I have a 1996 Civic (4 cylinder) and I'm having some trouble. the car seems to start and idle fine but when you turn on the headlights it wants to stall. the rpm will 1st drop (the dash lights and headlights get dimmer) and and you have to play with the throttle to keep it running but usually it will stall (if you turn off the headlights right when the rpm is dropping it idles back up). then you try to restart it and it seems like it is a dead battery, doesn't turn over, but it you wait 15 or so min's it will then turn over again. any ideas of what to look at?

Side note: it seems to do this more often when the weather is cold.

thanks for the help

 

have your alt checked. they seem to have that effect.

 

most autoparts stores will check it for you free while it is in the car, but they have a more extensive test when you bring it in.

it's a real pain to take out but you can do it. it took me about 4 hrs the first time b/c I did not try to remove the mounting bracket. unfortunately, you have to remove the mounting bracket or else it won't come out.

 

Does the charge/battery light turn ON on the dash?

You might want to start by cleaning the battery connectors and terminals, as well as the battery ground wire connection on the frame. Next take the battery to an auto parts store for testing and charging. While the alternator may be bad, it's possible that all is needed is a battery charge or a new battery. Also check whether the alternator belt is too loose and slipping.

 

the other thing you might want to check is if there is a possitive wire grounding out somewhere

 

the charge/battery light doesn't come on when you start the vehicle.

also I took it over to checker and had them check the charging system and the battery and starter turned out fine but they said the alternator was not putting out any voltage. this was the results for the alternator:

no load: 12.43v
loaded: 12.43v

 

It seems curious and unexpected to me that the voltage did not drop substantially under load if the alternator is not working. When you turn the key to ON(II), does the charge light stay ON?

 

the charge light isn't coming on at all it seems for some reason when the key is in the on position.

 

Check that the round plug (with 3 or 4 small wires) in the back of the alternator is secure. Also check fuse #15 under the dash. I think that is the one that powers up the alternator.

 

I agree with mk. If fuse 15 and the battery are fine, however, check whether the dash charge light bulb is blown or whether the White/Blue wire running between the alternator and dash charge light bulb has an open (lacks continuity).

Is the CEL ON?