Hello All,

I have a 2002 Honda Civic Ex. I am having an issue when I first start the car my Check battery light will flicker. After a few minutes of driving the light will stop flickering but it seems like in the first few minutes of starting the car maybe the charge is spiking and falling then steadying off after it warms up. Currently, my headlights, dome lights puslate constantly even after the initial few minutes of the warming up of the vehicle. I have tried unconnecting the battery and cleaning the posts and terminals. Also, I followed the negative line to the ground and cleaned around there as well. This has not solved the issue. I changed my alternator and battery not to long ago and they are testing out okay. The guy at the shop believes it could be a short. I have also been suggested maybe a pulley is bad which is making the alternator not function properly. Where should I go from here? Test pulleys? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Mike

 

Belt loose, "new" alternator is a dud, or something similar to the "fuse 15" problem on older models where the harness doesn't power up the alternator. Varying voltage and the "battery" light coming on means the alternator is not putting out.

 

check all your grounds

 

Just wanted to give an update on this. I have not resolved it yet. I changed the braided ground strap that runs from the valve cover to above the radiator. Still experiencing the problem. As per reznunt I will be checking the ground that runs from the transmission to the frame. Will give in update after that to see what happens. Trying to do everything possible to not have to take it in.

As a side note, what's the best way to clean the ground strap that was there? I would like to clean it and possibly use it in the future. Thanks.

 

I had this same problem, it turned out to be the regulator in my alternator, took me a year and a half to figure it out, becuase my alternator was brand new.

get or borrow a voltmeter, they are like 20 bucks. start your car and hook it to both terminals. Have someone step on the gas slowly reving it up to about 3000 rpm, and then wait a few seconds. now check to see what the voltage is. It should be about 14 I believe. but more importantly, it should be stationary, if the voltage cycles up and down steadily even after a few minutes then you have a bad alternator regulator.

If your alternator isnt under warranty, I would suggest checking autozone (100$ with lifetime replacement warranty I believe) or Ebay. I got mine on ebay used from a salvage seller for $50 with a lifetime replacement warranty.

hope this helps

 

I too had this problem, except in a 1999 Civic LX. My SRS light was on, and all the interior and exterior lights would pulsate. I tested the alternator and it was overcharging, so I replaced it. The problem was still there. Turns out, my "new" alternator was defective. I put a "new new" one in, and the issue went away for good.