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Hello new to the forum, just picked a 02 Civic LX with some issues, fixed everything but one which is the battery light comes on intermittently. Took my car for airbag recall and Dealer tested the charging system but could not find anything wrong. I tested voltage myself getting 12.6 volts when car off and 13.8 when car is on. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Before I start replacing battery,alternator etc.

 
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A loose alternator belt can cause that while accelerating. Basically at low rpm it charges normal, but when you give it gas the belt slips before catching up.

 
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Thanks for the reply Just changed all the belts and they are all tight. Connection to the battery clean and secure. That's why I'm stuck, maybe wiring?

 
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Is the alternator a cheap aftermarket replacement?

 
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This

 
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Well it looks like the problem went away by itself. I haven't had the baterty light come on for about a week. It was probably the batter was low due to the car sitting for about 4 weeks while it was getting fixed.

 
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Ok problems with battery light comes on intermittently again, gonna give in and change the alternator but before I do it does the alternator have a voltage regulator or is it controlled by the cars computer?

 
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Yes.

Alternator has an internal voltage regulator but PCM also can also switch it between two modes; low output and high output. Low output is only used when these conditions are met:
-electrical Load below 15 Amps (varies with vehicle)
-vehicle speed between 10-45 mph or at idle while in drive
-engine speed below 3,000 rpm
-coolant temperature above 167°F (75°C)
-A/C Switch Off
-intake air temperature above 68°F (20°C)

 
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You never answered this?

 
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Dont really know bought this car used recently and the former owner.never.kept any records, one those who just drives the car. The car had no issues until I had it for a few days and car started having all kinds problems. Water pump went out, rack n pinion started leaking, bad catalytic converter causing check engine light. and now alternator, initially the owner told me all was needed was to fix crack windshield. Car drove fine when I test drove it

 
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Well its probably a cheap crappy alternator, go grab an oem one from a junkyard

 
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I guess I'm still driving with the battery light coming on intermittently, I have AAA so I'm not worried about being stranded. I recently quoted from Honda Dealer and they told me $890 for a rebuilt OEM alternator, Jeez I only paid $900 for the car. I was thinking bad grounds so I did the big three upgrade and it still flickering on and off intermittently. As I did the big three I noticed that the alternator was still new but an aftermarket one. I'd hate to buy another aftermarket one and to find the problem still exists. I have no codes coming up. Any tips would.be appreciated.

 
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Is the record player broken?

 
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Jesus we told you the problem 10 months ago, you need an OEM alternator. If you don't want to buy one new go find one in a junkyard. If you pull it from a wrecked car you know the engine was running before it got scrapped

 
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Changed out alternator and it did not fix the problem, it was the ELD, I suspected the alternator was still good cause it looked new so I wasted $140 on a replacment alternator.. Thanks for trying to help.

 
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Was there a fault code for the ELD? Usually it throws an engine fault when it goes bad.

 
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Strange that I had no codes but I do have a stereo that puts out 1200 watts the amp cost more than the car lol.

 
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If you bought an aftermarket alternator you bought the wrong one

 
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no it was the ELD that was giving me problems its fixed now

 
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I don’t think you’re understanding. Aftermarket electronics (sensors, alternator, etc) are strongly advised against for 7th gen civics. I’m willing to wager a decent amount that you’re going to have issues with it in a pretty short period of time.

 
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Suggested by the Parts guy at the Honda dealer, he referred me to have my Alternator rebuilt at the shop that way I would.be sure that the alternator would fit since I took it out of my car anyway. My Honda Civic was hard to diagnose since it didn't throw any codes. Even the dealer couldn't find anything since they couldn't replicate the problem when they had the car. They did a courtesy check when I took it in to diagnose the SRS airbag light which they fixed for free. I'm very fortunate that the Honda Dealer takes good care of their customers even though you didn't buy the Honda from them. And I do buy parts from them especially on something that I depend on to keep rhe car running or something that concerns your safety.

 
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Does the 1200 watt amp setup have a large capacitor installed inline with the + power side of the amp ?
Does the battery light maybe come on intermittently when playing certain bass heavy music ?

 
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Thx for the info on Capacitors it will be handy as I upgrade my stereo system.To answer your question , I haven't really noticed whether or not the battery light came on when my stereo hit some.heavy bass notes. I do have a voltage regulator attached to the battery which is also a capacitor