i have a 96 civic lx. i have noticed that when i turn on the fan motor the headlights will dim. they also will dim when stepping on the brakes. the alternator is fairly new as is the battery. any ideas?
thanks!!!

 

The symptoms fit well with a faulty alternator. How long ago did you replace the alternator? Was the replacement alternator new or rebuilt? Is the alternator belt loose and slipping?

If you have a voltmeter/multimeter, you can test your alternator. At normal idle with no electrical load (all lights and accessories off), the voltage at the battery terminals should be ~14.5V. With high electrical load (headlights ON, heater/A/C fan on high, radio ON), the voltage should not drop below ~9.5V.

Alternatively, take your car to AutoZone. They will test your alternator and battery for free.

 

The belt on the alternator could be loose.

 

common problem on civic.. the original grounding unable to supply good electricity current to the car .. the only way to solve it is to have external grounding wire from your battery negative point to every points in the engine bay ..e.g. alternator, firewall, block, head, aircond compressor, intake manifold and be sure that you screw it tightly to the steel part .. not the plastic part to allow the electricity flows nicely..

try to troubleshoot things that is less cost before going to something expensive.. you wont regret ..