Rep Power: 0

2004 EX, auto, about 90k miles.

Over the last couple weeks I've been having two problems:

First, at pretty much any speed, my stereo (aftermarket) will turn itself off and restart, and the dash "brake" light will come on. Car does not behave erratically otherwise when this happens.

Second, when at a stop light or any time I'm stopped for longer than 10-15 seconds, the car will sometimes stall. The idle does not fluctuate, it doesn't rattle, it just dies. After it dies, it starts back up without a problem. The check engine light has not been on.

Interestingly, when the car dies, my stereo will turn off, but when I turn it back on, it restarts in demo mode, as if it has lost power from the constant 12v feed.

Also, I've been having a problem with my headlights dimming when idling. It's a rather inconsistent, almost strobe-like dimming.

Any ideas? I'd like to see if I can solve this myself without going to the stealership.

Recap:

- Radio randomly turns off, but turns right back on
- Car will stall at a full stop, but has no idling problems
- Headlights dim, but in a quick, strobe-like pattern
- No check engine light

 
Rep Power: 0

hey there dirk. by any chance did u figure out this problem. i have an 05 civic lx automatic fully loaded with 150km and its doing the same exact thing. replaced my alternator, it was reading 10 volts, now new one reads fine, battery fine as well but still same issue. im so stumped i keep reading forums about pcm's and multiplexiors what ever they are called ? any info u have manged to get would be great.

 
Rep Power: 0

I have been having the same problems. Aftermarket stereo dies and ABS light comes on the dash. Headlights also dim. ABS light goes off and stereo comes back on after 3-5 seconds. I about stalk out when I come to a stop. I pulled the face plate off the stereo, but now have found when I use the rear defrost, heat and headlights at the same time, my headlights dim and flicker and the car nearly stalls out. I can't use the rear defrost anymore unless I'm not using anything else, ie. headlights, heat. Did you figure out what it was? I'm thinking maybe a wiring issue, maybe a loose ground wire from the stereo. I'd like to check to see if that's it first before I delve into the uber expensive realm of batteries and alternator. Please reply!!!!
Thanks!!

 
Rep Power: 518

Could be as simple as a loose alternator belt.
Could be a bad alternator.
Could be other things.
All anyone can do here is guess.
Needs checked out properly, before you get stranded.
I'd recommend you see a professional.


If you let a weak or dead battery freeze, it will be ruined too.

 
Rep Power: 0

I'm going in the morning to get it checked. I just like to have some educated guesses before I walk into any place. I have yet to find an honest mechanic where I live and have been here for 10+ years. I walk into a shop and they see dumb woman who they can overcharge. Thanks for a list of possiblities. It helps!

 
Rep Power: 307

I remember talk (and pictures somewhere) about the multi point grounds that the 01-05s have. Several ground wires run into 1 terminal and bolt.

To the side of radiator or someplace, i'll have a look.

In the right environmental conditions it may have worked up to 04 models.