1993 Civic pulsating lamps - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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1993 Civic pulsating lamps

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Skelley
User

Sep 6, 2010, 12:23 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1248 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 (1235 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 (1220 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

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