Rep Power: 0

Hi all,

I have an 04 Civic SE with ~120,000 miles on it.

This weekend, while my wife was driving, the radio shut off and the gauges all went to 0. She pulled to the side of the road and the car wouldn't start. After about 15 minutes, she tried again and was able to start it. Then, a few minutes later, while sitting there, it happened again. Note that the lights have been pulsing a bit at night for the last year or two. It certainly sounds to me like the alternator.

I called for a tow truck and had it brought to a mechanic. When the tow truck driver dropped it off, he said he was able to start the car to re-position in the mechanic's lot.

I just got a call from the mechanic. He was able to start the car and it's been running for a while. He's tested the alternator and says voltage levels are fine. He's seeing nothing wrong with the electrical.

Any thoughts?

P.S. He also says he found metal shavings the oil and the thing seems to be leaking quite a bit of oil. There's been what seemed like a small leak for the last ~5k miles, but he's indicated that it's worse now. I doubt it's related to the electrical problems, but we're certainly shopping for a car now...

 
Rep Power: 0

The voltage on the alternator is 14.3 V, according to the mechanic.

My colleagues and I have had good experiences with this mechanic in the past. He always been very honest.

 
Rep Power: 228

Radio then gauges points to alternator.

But then you should see it drop from 12v to something lower after starting. If he is saying it looks good then I really wouldn't know.

Maybe a loose belt is charging it at idle rpm but slips while driving? Or a ground wire to the alternator or corrosion, causing interment charging?

 
Rep Power: 132

A common issue with these Civics are a loose alternator ground bolt on the alternator bracket. The ground for the alternator is the bracket and bolt. Mine was stripped after over-tightening and would stall the vehicle. New bolt and all's well (along with a new alternator before this happened which is another common issue).
Also check other grounds, battery and connections. Lights pulsing at night is a symptom - check alternator again, it may be failing.
Any codes with a CEL?


Yes, I just copied my response to you in the other site.