HeresOtis

Hello all,

​​​​​​I have two problems (might be independent of one another). One problem is that my car starts to slightly jerk/stutter when accelerating from a complete stop. So it does it only in first gear. This issue only started occurring after I cleaned my battery terminals from corrosion and removed the paint from all my ground connections.
The other problem is that my interior lights and headlights pulsate for several seconds to a minute and at the same time, the SRS indicator turns on for 5 second then back off. This issue is ongoing success I first purchased the car. I checked my battery and alternator voltages and they are correct: ~12.8V while engine off, ~14.2V with engine on. To add on, whether the lights are pulsating or not, more frequently I've noticed that my interior lights get brighter after I drive over 2500rpm and when I have to come to a stop, they get dim (or normal brightness level?).
Can anyone give me some guidance on troubleshooting these issues?

Update: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-.../#post51111623

2000 Civic LX Stock everything

Former User

Check fuse 15 and the alternator.

HeresOtis

Just checked the fuse and alternator, and both are fine.

Former User

​​​​​​​Details?

HeresOtis

The fuse has continuity. The alternator is outputting the correct voltage which is about 14.6V. ​​​​​​​

Former User

What's the voltage reading when the interior lights are pulsing?

HeresOtis

I'm unable to get that reading because it usually only pulsates when driving. I suppose it could be loose wires.

Former User

What interior lights pulse? Does the cluster charging system warning light also flicker?

You can connect the multimeter probes to a hot wire and ground under the dash to read voltage while driving.

HeresOtis

​​​​​​​I would assume all lights which include cluster, lights in console, dome light, lights inside gear stick.

Former User

Without assuming, what lights have you observed to pulse?



​​​​​​​

HeresOtis

When I say assume, I'm assuming that the lights I have mentioned are all the interior lights. Sorry for the confusion.
But yes, those are all the lights I've visually seen pulsate.

Former User

HeresOtis

The cluster charging light does/is not on.
​I don't see any open hot wire under dash.

HeresOtis

I checked my TPS and determined that it's malfunctioned. More than likely, replacing will fix my stuttering issue.
I also checked my some of my wires to make sure there's clean connections. I'll update on how things go.

HeresOtis

Another update: I was checking continuity of fuse 15 and encountered something interesting. While the engine is off, my multimeter outputs continuous sound to indicate continuity. But when I turn the engine on and check again, the continuity sound is now in quick pulses (beep, no sound, beep, no sound, ...). Any ideas?

mk378

That is not how you test a fuse. The result also suggests the fuse may be blown.

Turn the key on (no need to start) and measure the voltage from each end of the fuse to ground. It should be about 12 volts in both cases. If there is low or zero volts on one end and battery voltage on the other, the fuse is blown. Confirm by pulling fuse out of the box, then test the fuse for continuity or visually examine the U or Z shaped metal link in the middle of the fuse.

While you have the key on with engine not running, the "battery" light on the dash should be on, and it should go out after starting the engine. I don't think it ever comes on if fuse 15 is blown.

HeresOtis

Update in regards to the lights.
I verified that my instrument panel lights get brighter when either the car reaches 2800RPM or when the car is past second gear. But IDK if the lights are getting bright or "over-brighten" because they get as bright as if you turn the headlights off. To make it clearer, the brightness of the instrument panel when car passes 2800RPM gets to the same brighten as the instrument panel when the headlights are off.
Then when they car gets below 1500RPM (enters idle RPM?), the lights return "normal" or dim. I've checked all my grounds and made sure no wires were open.
Any more guidance?

Grumpy pigeon

Hey I'm having a problem with my civic 2001 ex headlights and dash dimming while accelerating I have replaced alternator done big 3 4 guage replaced battery terminals wire brushed fuse box main connections checked battery around 12.4 off and 14.25 while running no idea what could cause it

Grumpy pigeon

Ps how do I start threads it's says I need two post in tech section idk what that is and don't wanna just post in unrelated threads