1993 Civic pulsating lamps - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


	Auto Repair Home	SEARCH POSTS	WHO'S ONLINE	LOG IN

Automotive Repair

Car Troubleshooting Topics
  Car Troubleshooting
  Engine Troubleshooting
  Engine Fault Codes
  Electrical and Wiring
  Transmission Problems

Car Repair Topics
  Car Making Noises
  Car Stereo Repair
  Heating or AC Issues
  Motorcycles and ATVs
  Tricks of the Trade
  Truck Repair Advice

Site Options:
  Login
  Sign up here!

Latest Forum Post

1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no start

I have a 1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no...

Strut spring orientation and strut mount tension nut

2017 Nissan rogue awd 2.5 L Put in Monro...

Transmission stuck in part, I have tried everything

So I'm working on my elderly fathers 201...

2017 dodge journey LED headlights on/off randomly

Year of vehicle 2017 Make of vehicle dod...

Kia Soul starter replacement issues!

Okay so my car is a 2010 Kia soul 2.0 en...

Please Help - Knock sound & engine fail

Hi all, Hoping to get some insight and ...

multiple warning lights

2013 GMC Terrain 130,000 miles 4 cylinde...

03 alero no low speed blower

Good day everyone, I have a 2003 Olds a...

04 Chevy 2500hd tail light issues

Help!!! I have changed my combo switch...

1999 Grand Caravan Sport not starting.

Hi. I'm new here. I hope someone can hel...

1993 Civic pulsating lamps

Sign up here!

Search for (search options)

Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Automotive Wiring and Electrical

Skelley
User

Sep 6, 2010, 12:23 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1380 views)

1993 Civic pulsating lamps	Sign In

Hello. I have a 1993 Civic Hatchback with about 150,000 miles that recently developed a problem which I just noticed last night on the highway with the lights dimming/pulsating in a random pattern. The dash lights, along with the headlamps, pulse as if there is a power surge somewhere in the system, e.g., all lamps kind of pulsate between full strength and about 60%-70& of full strength for about 20 seconds at a time, then they are fine for another minute or two, then the pulsing starts again.

Here is a bit of background. Last weekend I took a road trip and noticed the next day that there was a slight but noticeable whirling / whining sound coming from the engine compartment. I have been around cars a little to know that this is the sound an alternator can make when it is charging a very run down battery. The road trip was taken all during the day, so there was no drain on the system other than the A/C.

Just wondering if there is a voltage regulator test I can, if the alternator is in a death rattle, do or whether it's best to take to a shop.

Thanks
Scott

Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Sep 6, 2010, 12:32 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1367 views)

Re: 1993 Civic pulsating lamps	Sign In

It's very possible you could be having some alternator problems but with any electrical problem you always want to make sure you have a good battery before doing anything else.

So the 1st thing to do would be to get the battery tested and make sure all the connections are clean & tight.....

Skelley
User

Sep 6, 2010, 7:21 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1352 views)

Re: 1993 Civic pulsating lamps	Sign In

Thanks Sidom, I will have the battery checked before proceeding. It's an international brand battery, less than 3 years old. It was a hot day, so that may have stressed the battery.
Scott

Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap