EX01

I have a 2001 Civic ex with the original alternator. Recently I've had some problems starting up, the headlights dim when pressing the gas, the dash cluster lights flicker when I'm using the turn signal, and my Kenwood stereo shut off and came back on 3 times with the last few days. Is the alternator on it's way out? If so I'm changing it today but need to be sure. I've also recently changed the MCU last week

Slumpertcivic

EX01

I did end up replacing it as it was due for a new one either way. At first I thought the problems were fixed but then I noticed when I would brake I'd get a small rough idle which has gone away now. But the headlights, dome lights and dash cluster have a flicker just like before except not as bad. Could the problem be my grounds? Where should I begin checking? Everything was fine a few weeks ago

drhawkinz

You can rough up where the alternator bolts down so it's fresh metal to make a good connection. You can also do the same for the ground from the battery to the chassis and from the water housing to chassis.

You can also check the tension on the alternator belt. I don't have a tension tester but I normally try to get it tight enough so that the belt will just turn upright (90 degrees) when compared to laying flat.

EX01

Now that you mention it, one of the bolts was turning continuoslco and wouldn't tighten except at a certain point. The belt is tight completely there's no play whatsoever. Today my stereo restarted 4 times and every time it happened the ABS light would come on for a few seconds then come off. II shu off the stereo completely for the rest of my drive but the ABS light kept going. It's so hard to pinpoint what the problem could be

Colin42

you will fry the pcm if you continue to drive the car like that.
you need to fix that so all the bolts tighten properly

EX01

I'll check it ASAP and tighten it. If it isn't the bolt, what else could ti be?

Slumpertcivic

EX01

I've checked both bolts on the alternator and they're all tight. The belt is tight, alternator is new and battery is a few months old. I read it somewhere it could be the ELD but ill keep looking around. The big 3 grounds are all tight and make good contact.

EX01

UPDATE

I looked over everything again and again, made sure it was all tight and started it up a few days ago. Everything seems to work fine now. I can't exactly pinpoint what it was but the problem is gone

JRoc1 360