bmk6795

Alright i have a 2001 civic ex with the d17a2 engine. This is my issue, when i first start driving the voltage stays at 14.4 volts. After 10 minutes or so of driving, the voltage drops to 12.5 volts. If i let off the throttle or idol long enough the voltage will go back up to 14.4 volts. If im driving over 65 mph the voltage will stay at 14.4 volts. If i turn on headlights/ac/defrost anything like that the voltage will go back up to 14.4. Any idea what could cause this? Someone said that it could be the voltage regulator but im not sure. If anyone has any ideas id appreciate it.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

The car has a load detection system on it that only increases the voltage when it is needed. Sounds like the fluctuations you are seeing are due to that, which I believe are normal.

bmk6795

I was afraid of that, now i know there is a way to bypass that, any idea how?

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

It is normal operation of the ELD system.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

No reason to bypass it. It's working like its suppose to.

bmk6795

Well when my new system is ready to go in i cant have the amps receiving 12.5 volts . But i have found out how to bypass it so its all good, thanks for the help.

sl33pyriceboi

iTrader: (3)

That's normal. When you see the 14v is when your alternator is charging your batt or giving you car the required extra juice.

bmk6795

Yeah i understand that now. I still need to bypass it so when my new system is built and ready to go in i can feed the amps the proper 14.4 volts not 12.0 - 12.5 as that'll eventually kill them.

danwat12345

Just take out the ELD like I did, it might be brown colored. On a 6th gen it's in the fuse box under the hood. Forget if different for your 7th gen.
Then the alternator will aim to output the ~14.4V constantly. Won't harm anything, will just use a miniscule bit more gas and battery might run a few degrees warmer and all the electrical systems in the car will have more power.