Thrasher086

Ok here is my story. I have a 2001 Civic EX which I bought in February of 05. I wanted a yellow top battery so i put a new one in and left the Honda battery in my garage. Well that battery died in January of 07.... Not too long.

Anyway I charged the Honda one and it started the car up. I decided to see how long I can go with it. Well a week and a half ago the car wouldn't start so I purchased a new energizer battery with about 600CCAs. Popped it in and it started right up. I figured since the Honda battery was 6 years old it just gave out. The voltage was 11.5 on it.

I was going home today and noticed a little more dimming than usual. I have a sound system so I know its normal when the subs hit. When the car idles with nothing on it reads at 13.9 to 14 volts. Headlights on its at 13.8. I noticed when the radiator fans kicked in my lights dimmed for a second and I can see the voltage meter hit to around 12.5 then jump back to 13.8 or so.

The battery light isn't on when I am driving but I am just a little concerned that my alternator may be dying or already is dead an I am just consuming battery power. I'd say the total time with the new battery of the car being on it around 2 hours with 20 mins having the AC on and always having my radio on. I have to drive 90 miles on Friday and want to know what everyone thinks. I am very worried. Thanks.

02civic21

well you need to check the alt with the volt meter and see what its reading at no load and full load. if the alt is going dead, then the car will pop a batt light. id get a salvage alt if you can, theyre like 70 bucks here in tx. idk how much where you are but shouldnt be too much off

Thrasher086

Well I made it to NJ and back without a problem at all. Also I had Advance Autos check it before the trip and they said the diodes were good. I guess I should stop worrying.