thecgmguy

Hi Guys,

I'm new here so I apologize if this isn't the right forum category to post in.

Recently, my 2005 Civic Coupe wouldn't start. When I turned the ignition, the engine wouldn't crank and the entire dash (warning lights, speedometer dial, fuel, CD player, etc) would start flickering and moving really fast.

A family member gave me jump which helped get the engine started but while I was driving it, the radio started shutting off and I noticed the seat belt warning light on the dash turn on and off every couple minutes. I didn't notice any drive-specific problems; handling, acceleration, braking, was all fine.

On the surface, this seems VERY similar to the issue here: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/help-car-wont-start-everything-electrical-flickers-985705/ My concern though is that something else might be wrong considering that some electrical stuff starting cutting out WHILE I was driving.

Additional notes:
- The battery is stock (it's the original one that came with the car since 2005).
- I didn't notice any symptoms leading up to the issue (there weren't any sluggish starts that I recall).
- There's some corrosion on the battery terminals but that's been there awhile.
- The car has 90K miles on it.
- The alternator is stock (it's the original one that came with the car since 2005)

I guess I'm confused on how to troubleshoot from here... I'm not an experienced mechanic but I'd like to have at least some general idea of what could be at fault here before taking it to the shop... especially if it's something simple like a bad battery.

I have a multi-meter and was going to try the battery test referenced in the other thread. Is there anything else I should try?

I've attached a video to illustrate the flickering lights (just remove the .zip extension at the end).

vansxskater

check your ground by the battery sometimes they slightly come unscrewed.

woodwardba0526

Im almost positive its your alternator fuse.

I had the same problem a few months ago.

thecgmguy

Thanks for the prompt response. Where is that fuse located? I presume I would want to run a continuity check with the multimeter.

I should also add that the problem immediately reoccurred after I turned off the car.

-M

woodwardba0526

Its under the steering column. Its number 4.

thecgmguy

Thanks for the tip. Ironically, my multimeter is missing a fuse so I'll check it a little later but that definitely does make sense... When I turn the ignition, I hear a buzzing/fast-clicking sound from the fuse box under the steering column (didn't know that was there -- thanks).

woodwardba0526

just replace it and see if it works

thecgmguy

I replaced it with a spare 10 amp fuse and the issue persists. I guess that leaves Battery, Ground, Wiring, or Alternator.

I'm planning to jump start it again, leave it running, and remove the positive cable from the battery terminal. Hopefully that will at least tell me if the alternator is culprit.

-M

thecgmguy

Hey Guys,

I wasn't able to even get it started (charger didn't work). But I did check the battery with a multimeter. The battery shows about 8 - 9 volts while idle but when I turn the ignition and the lights flutter, it drops down to 4 - 6 volts.

That's a pretty sure sign that the battery is shot right? I'm thinking I should take the battery to the auto parts place and have them test it as well.

Thoughts?

-M

Targa250R

You're thinking into this way too hard.

Everything you described in the first post is characteristic of a bad battery. I wouldn't even bother having anyone test it; 8 volts isn't going to run anything. Just replace it. Clean the cable terminals while you're at it.

blackKready

its 100% no question either bad grounds between the battery and chassis , engine and chassis , or dead battery.

Coltin82

Wish mine was that simple! I got 14.25 when running and 13.05 when off so my battery is fine but I have the same problem I've checked out the alternator and the connections and they are all good it a 2008 I'm going to take a look at the alternator fuse.