I have some kind of electrical issue in my '96 Honda Civic that I need to have repaired, but I would like a few educated guesses from others who know more about cars than me as to what might be the problem.
My car's engine runs fine. It starts relatively fine. Once I have it running, if I turn on the headlights, or parking lights (or any lights at all...dash, interior, etc). they go from regular strength, to dim, to regular strength, to dim...almost pulsing.
When I drive it around during the daytime, it seems to run fine, so what could be causing this electrical pulsing to be going on when I turn on the headlights.
If you have any ideas, please fill me in. I know NOTHING about cars and I live in NYC where mechanics are FAMOUS for being dishonest...so the more info I have in my head before I get there the better off my checkbook will be.
Someone please have pity on me and tell me what my problem might be?
Begging and Pleading!
Snag2772
2007-01-04 04:25:28 · 9 answers · asked by snaggle_smurf 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Some of those asian kids into EUROS would love the pulsating effect. Just enjoy the free upgrade.
2007-01-04 04:34:22 · answer #1 · answered by xal0t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not be particularly worried just yet! However I would keep an eye on it! I would check to see if the belt is tight enough (if not using a "serpentine belt"), since most "V" belts have to be tensioned manually with adjustments! If she was driving in rain, possibly belt slipped for a little while. Also sometimes brushes in alternator hang up for a few seconds (or minutes), but later on just work fine - sometimes for a very long time! You could have somebody check charging system operation -- you can get this done free lots of places, -- just be aware that they sell parts and batterys. Auto Zone, and Wal Mart are commonly talked about, but lots of places do it! Just bear with a grain of salt, if they start telling you you need lots of things ( they may be trying to sell you things you might not need).. If this happens, better to take it to several places, and see if diagnosis matches! After all it is free, - so you only waste the time,-- and not much money! Personally I would just watch and wait to see if problem returns, as it is sometimes hard to tell anything when it appears to be working right!
2016-05-23 02:50:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the voltage regulator turning on and off. I've seen cars do this when the battery is very low on water. Check the battery to see if it is full of water. It may say "Maintenance Free" but if the caps are removable then pop them off and look. If it is full you might go to an AutoZone and have the battery tested for free.
2007-01-04 04:29:49 · answer #3 · answered by tumbleweed1954 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you most likely need an alternator. the regulator is inside the alt. on this model vehicle. buying a new one will solve your issue with the voltage regulator. 100 percent positive on this. good luck
2007-01-04 04:51:34 · answer #4 · answered by mike m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Test the charging system. Either the alternator isn't charging, or you have a draw on the system. Get it looked at before it leaves you stranded!
2007-01-04 04:30:46 · answer #5 · answered by Bondgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have an electrical short. I would take your car to a mechanic to have it properly repaired.
2007-01-04 04:28:31 · answer #6 · answered by frenchy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a partially loose ground connection at the light socket.
2007-01-04 04:40:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its your Alternator its on its way out
2007-01-04 07:12:00 · answer #8 · answered by spuds36 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its your Altanator
2007-01-04 04:28:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋