i just came back from a 3 hour drive yesterday, everything was fine. today i get that cel. the speedometer doesnt work anymore. and the lights are going bright to dim, wtf? ive replaced both o2 sensors, in the past.

also pulled the battery cable, same ****

 

Fuse 15 problem-- wires short out behind engine, blows fuse, cuts power to both O2 sensors, speed sensor, alternator (causing output voltage to vary --> lights flicker), and a few other things. Well known problem of 1996-2000 models especially early ones.

 

sounds exactly like the problem. thanks man, i wish i was an auto mechanic.

havent checked the fuse, but should i look for the short in the engine compartment. if it will keep blowing the fuse?

 

i should have searched the forum better. so i took mine in to get looked at and said first thing is i need a new alternator, its starting to go bad. but gave a price tag of almost 500 bucks. i checked it and the voltage was around 11.7 volts with a bunch of stuff on.

even saying after that they gotta check the ecu. sounds even more expensive. could just the alternator be causing all the problem?

i read somewhere here that one guy just bought the whole new wiring harness. is that a good idea. i would think it would be a lot easier than trying to check all the wires?



so i bought a new one, damn, theyre not giving those away! now the 500 really doesnt sound so bad

 

11.7v is pretty low, it should be in the mid 14's even when under high load. A bad alternator can cause all sorts of weird electrical issues.

 

I agree, but if you can find a rebuilder that can get parts, would b cheaper. Most of that is probably labor.

Check that fuse. If there is a sshort it can affect that too.

 

Find a mechanic that has heard of the fuse 15 problem...

 

This^

But first check whether 7.5A dash fuse 15 is blown. If so, click Fuse 15 TSB in my signature.

 

Caall a dealer with your vin also. I know there was a recall for ignition switch. I know it's not a GM, but it causes wierd stuff

 

sounds like the fuse 15 problem, ive read about it here, guess its one of those things you think happens to the other guy lol.


i downloaded the manuals from your sig ron, but didnt know what that one was. ya the fuse was blown. i put a new one in and it blew again. im gonna check that first tonight. before i even bother with the alt.

calling honda, would probably be a waste of time. in canada we dont even have that lifetime sealtbelt warranty. luckily mine have been ok.