Dbronc51

Hey guys, I've had this problem with my 95 Honda Civic coupe 1.5L 4cyl and it's been getting much worse as of late.

About a year ago I replaced my alternator with a re-manufactured one as my old one died.

7-8 months ago I noticed All lights (headlights. instrument, taillights etc) were pulsating ever-so slightly. Since then it has increased to the point where it's almost as if my hazards are flashing.
The pulsating is in rhythm with the sound of the engine belt

A week ago I tested my car voltage and at idle with just my headlights on and it was sitting around 15.6-16.5V, it is way overcharging and that number increased drastically when I accelerated the engine.

As well when my car isn't quite warmed up it will idle up and down, up and down, up and down. I can level out the idle by putting more of a load in the vehicle (turning more lights on, turning up blower). I believe this could be related

Any Ideas guys? I've been searching for a month through forums and such but my problem doesn't seem to match 100% with others posts. College student so running out and buying a new alternator to 'see' if it fixes it isn't really an option.

Final note: the car does have a bit of a misfire issue, I don't think it's related to the issue but I'm no expert. Thanks

ezone

Sounds like another bad alternator.
Replacement alternator had lifetime warranty? One year? Are you past the warranty period?

If you had replaced it when the issue first began 7-8 months ago, would it have been under warranty (FREE)?

Dbronc51

So I took the alternator out, took it to the place where I bought it. They put it on the tester and it says it's just fine. It is under 5 year warranty.
When I rotate the alternator by hand it makes squeeking noises(unsure if that is related)
I am almost sure it is the alternator as well but they won't honour the warranty unless the alternator fails the test...

ezone

Of course it passes their bench test (rolls eyes).
That does not mean it isn't bad, it just means that test didn't find the problem. Different test needed to prove problem.

Were all the bolts tight when you took it apart? None loose?

Reinstall alternator.
Make sure charging voltage is still too high and lights pulsate or whatever was happening. I assume this was a consistent issue, always present.

Drive the car there and have them do the charging system test (alternator on the car).
Or use your voltmeter (or one of theirs) to prove the charging voltage is way too high while running.



The idle issue is probably unrelated. Check for low coolant, stuck IAC valve, vacuum leaks, etc.