Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum If you've got a problem you just can't figure out, a noise you can't diagnose, or a Check Engine Light that won't go away, ask about it here!

HELP PLEASE: Intermittent flickering lights- video inside

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 20, 2012
  #1  
apt10's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0
apt10 is an unknown quantity at this point
HELP PLEASE: Intermittent flickering lights- video inside

[autostream]http://autostream.com/ibcivicforums/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=1210& transactionid=1332297509-71227237146&posted_by=apt10_www.civicforums.com&yo utube_video_id=vkvkMDLkX1A[/autostream]

Car is 2004 civic ex 5 speed with 98k miles

Battery was replaced by previous owners in 2009. Stock alternator with 98K miles on it. The grounds look fine and tight.

Everything works fine at idle. At higher rpms is when this problem occurs. Does not happen all the time but pretty intermittent.

What do you guys think? Where should I start? The multimeter is not sensitive enough to pick this up.

If this is the alternator what is the best source to pick up a good one?
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2012
  #2  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: HELP PLEASE: Intermittent flickering lights- video inside

Originally Posted by apt10
The multimeter is not sensitive enough to pick this up.

If this is the alternator what is the best source to pick up a good one?
You need a meter that is able to react much faster. One that has MIN/MAX record capability, or a labscope.
I may use the labscope and check for voltage drops while it is running and acting up, and the PCM control of the alternator/regulator charge command.


When did this start acting up? Any work done immediately prior to this? Timing belt job?

I'd guess that's about a 2V pulse, and I'd start with checking that the alternator bolts are tight. Loose mounting bolts leads to overvoltage and burning up the PCM.



If it does turn out to be a bad alternator, I'd use a factory reman. Aftermarket is always a crapshoot, and not something to depend on for reliable transport. (The cars really don't like cheap crap parts.)



Autozone: Turning your Honda into a Hyundai one part at a time.




HTH
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wankenstein
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
18
Aug 17, 2015 08:02 AM
15EXCoupe
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
8
Jul 30, 2015 12:59 PM
liagreenhalgh92
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
6
Jul 21, 2015 01:31 PM
ballmich
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
0
Jul 9, 2015 11:59 AM
Youshoe
Air Conditioning
1
Jul 8, 2015 09:49 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:17 AM.