Bad Alternator? (2003 Honda Civic LX)

[college man]

My suggestion is have the battery load tested at an auto part store._x000D_
see what there test shows.

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

No need to remove the PS pump as the alternator is in the back, a long 12mm wrench will knock the fastener loose and a long pry bar

[Matt Brandsema]

[quote]Quoted From EricTheCarGuy: _x000D_
_x000D_
No need to remove the PS pump as the alternator is in the back, a long 12mm wrench will knock the fastener loose and a long pry bar

[dreamer2355]

Quoted From spelunkerd: _x000D_
_x000D_
Dreamer, what an OUTSTANDING article. THANK YOU._x000D_
_x000D_

_x000D_
_x000D_
You are most welcome!

[twiggy]

Nice write up. thanks Dreamer. This gave me an idea where using the DVM, we could measure how much ripple there is using the AC mode. Of course you would need to know how much is normal. I’m going to try it on my car to see what is normal. If one of those

[Matt Brandsema]

Well today I checked the belt tension on the alternator AC belt and it was fine.

[rice400]

Its possible,

[EricTheCarGuy]

It is entirely possible as connection problems account for about 90% of electrical failures, I suspect that the connection was getting loose and when you reset it it restored the connection and you’re back in business.

[Matt Brandsema]

Welp! I have driven it about 100 or so miles and it has just now started flickering again.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I think all the voltage regulation stuff that could turn the light on is inside the alternator itself and considering you kind of got a result after you fiddled with the plug the problem is probably there.

[Matt Brandsema]

[quote]Quoted From EricTheCarGuy: _x000D_
_x000D_
I think all the voltage regulation stuff that could turn the light on is inside the alternator itself and considering you kind of got a result after you fiddled with the plug the problem is probably there. &#16

[Matt Brandsema]

So I finally got around to this.

[dreamer2355]

They do make a electrical cleaner thats available at any good parts store._x000D_
_x000D_
Sorry if you posted this already but have the alternator and battery been load tested yet via a reputable machine? I saw you did a voltage drop test on the feed side of the alte

[Matt Brandsema]

[quote]Quoted From dreamer2355: _x000D_
_x000D_
They do make a electrical cleaner thats available at any good parts store._x000D_
_x000D_
Sorry if you posted this already but have the alternator and battery been load tested yet via a reputable machine? I saw you did a vol

[Matt Brandsema]

[quote]Quoted From EricTheCarGuy:_x000D_
_x000D_
AC puts a big load on the electrical system, it may be the the voltage regulator is capable of putting out full power but perhaps there’s an issue with what’s in between big and small loads.

[dreamer2355]

If you have enough evidence that the alternator is failing, i would replace it before you are left stranded somewhere.

[Author]

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