Rep Power: 0

Ok... I have a problem with my 2001 Honda Civic Ex, 5 speed, with side air bags. I was driving when all my tach gauges on my instrument cluster went out, before that my battery like kept flickering on and off and didn't seem like that was a problem. Also, the green key light on the tach flickers on and off too. I recently bought 2 headlights, and after this problem occured they don't work either. When all of this occured my car would still run but would chug like its not getting enough fuel. After not driving it for 2 weeks I recently tired to start it up and when I do it won't stay running. It will idle, once I give it gas it will turn off. I replaced the battery terminals, regrounded the alternator, and engine. Checked for wire shortages throughout the vehicle. I checked the voltage to the alternator and it reads 12 volts when the vehicle is off, when i turn the key on the voltage is around 5-6 volts. Anyways, I don't know what the problem is? I dont know if I need a new instrument cluster or a new computer for the car? any advice will help. Thanks.

PS - if you guys have anyway for trouble shooting or charging system electrical checks or voltage reading for the alternator or anything else would be greatly appreciated!

 
Rep Power: 812

seems very obviouis its a bad alternator. as indicated by the chanrging light turning on, and your low voltage. and you are slowly gonna kill the battery. get a free charging system test at the auto parts store. that will tell you if its the battery, alternator, or some wiring issues.

 
Rep Power: 0

the alternator is 2 years old.... it doesnt have a problem starting, just running.... when idling it consistently revs up and down, but once you give it gas it turns off.... I have had a couple small mechanic places this is the control system. That is without the proper diagnostic scanner

 
Rep Power: 215

the alternator should be above 12 volts when engine is on.. it should be around 14.2 volts seems to me ur alternator is shot

 
Rep Power: 812

well from what i know, a battery starts the car, alternator keeps it running.

 
Rep Power: 215

yes thats true and the battery needs more then 12 volts to keep running thats why the alternator feeds the battery with 14 volts to keep it charged

 
Rep Power: 812

and to run all the other car accessories and ecu. battery cant do it by itself for very long. and if you underpower electrical stuff for too long, they could break.

 
Rep Power: 215

yeah thats true