Lights flicker
03-13-2016
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Lights flicker
I have an '03 Civic and developed a problem with the lights flickering or pulsating. It's all lights, not just one specific thing like headlights. I have also begun to have corrosion on the positive battery terminal which has never happened before. Any idea what's going on? I have read others saying it is the alternator, but I don't believe so. It's been doing it for a while now (months) and the battery is still charged. Seems to do it more often when it's cold outside.
03-13-2016
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Re: Lights flicker
do you have a new audio system or anything that would cause inconsistent draw on the battery?
my lights dim when I roll the windows up and down but only when pressing the button. while driving it's fine and the lights are steady. I suspect it something with the tiny gauge wiring.
my lights dim when I roll the windows up and down but only when pressing the button. while driving it's fine and the lights are steady. I suspect it something with the tiny gauge wiring.
03-13-2016
#3
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Lights flicker
I have also begun to have corrosion on the positive battery terminal which has never happened before.
the lights flickering or pulsating.
Is the AC or defrost on? Turn it off and recheck. The AC and fans pull a lot of current and will dim the lights when they cycle on.
03-14-2016
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do you have a new audio system or anything that would cause inconsistent draw on the battery?
No
my lights dim when I roll the windows up and down but only when pressing the button. while driving it's fine and the lights are steady. I suspect it something with the tiny gauge wiring.
No
my lights dim when I roll the windows up and down but only when pressing the button. while driving it's fine and the lights are steady. I suspect it something with the tiny gauge wiring.
03-14-2016
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03-14-2016
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So clean it before it becomes a problem.
How often or how rapid or frequent is this pulsation? (more details) Once every 3 minutes only at a stop? Every 3 seconds? What?
Is the AC or defrost on? Turn it off and recheck. The AC and fans pull a lot of current and will dim the lights when they cycle on.
How often or how rapid or frequent is this pulsation? (more details) Once every 3 minutes only at a stop? Every 3 seconds? What?
Is the AC or defrost on? Turn it off and recheck. The AC and fans pull a lot of current and will dim the lights when they cycle on.
03-14-2016
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Rep Power: 125 Re: Lights flicker
Put a DC volt meter on your battery terminal and see what voltage you have at around 2000 rpm. ? Flip it to AC and see if you have any AC coming thru. Turn it off and let it sit overnight. What is you DC volts now after sitting and not running?
03-14-2016
#9
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Lights flicker
Charging voltage should stay fairly consistent, not bounce up and down rapidly.
Measure and note the voltages during the pulsations, min/max during charging.
Probably needs an alternator........
Measure and note the voltages during the pulsations, min/max during charging.
Probably needs an alternator........
12-09-2016
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I have an '03 Civic and developed a problem with the lights flickering or pulsating. It's all lights, not just one specific thing like headlights. I have also begun to have corrosion on the positive battery terminal which has never happened before. Any idea what's going on? I have read others saying it is the alternator, but I don't believe so. It's been doing it for a while now (months) and the battery is still charged. Seems to do it more often when it's cold outside.
I'm still having this issue. Anyone know what causes this? Really don't want to buy an alternator as the remanufactured don't seem to last from what I have read. I still have the original alternator.
12-09-2016
#11
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Lights flicker
Did you monitor charging voltage while the lights are pulsating? ( I've seen some pulsate too fast for some voltmeters to display it)
DO you have a (quality) auto electric rebuilder near you? (these usually only rebuild starters and alternators)
Have your alternator rebuilt, make sure the voltage regulator is replaced.
DO you have a (quality) auto electric rebuilder near you? (these usually only rebuild starters and alternators)
Have your alternator rebuilt, make sure the voltage regulator is replaced.
12-13-2016
#12
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Re: Lights flicker
I second the rebuild idea, I have a guy who does it super cheap but only because Ive known him for so long. Basically only pay for the parts. It beats getting those hit and miss reman ones from the horrorzone....
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