l@rryd

Hey guys I have a 1999 Civic EX and Im having some problems with my alternator. I noticed after installing my stereo that when coming to a stop with the clutch in the headlights would dim. Then my battery started leaking acid so I replaced the batery and now the new battery is doing the same so I figure it has to be the alternator. Im figuring the battery is being overcharged so Im pretty sure the voltage regulator in the alternator is shot. Now I have a couple questions before I replace it.

1) What year alternators can I look for if I choose to just buy one from a junkyard or what not? Do I need a 96-00 model or can I use the 92-95?

2) I started noticing problems when I installed my stereo system and I want to know if I should purchase a higher output alternator or not. Im only running one AMP (Alpine MRV-100M Mono Sub Amp) with a JL12W3. I really dont consider it pushing alot of power (150W x 1 @ 12V) but I dont know if the stock 75amp alternator is enough. I was looking at the alternators from Alterstart but Id rather not spend 200 if I dont have to. The only other thing I can possibly think of for reasoning of the alternator going is plain out usage as my car has 178k miles on it.

Thanks in advance for the help

Archidictus

Get any D-series alternator and you should be set. The acid leaking out is from your battery being overloaded. Get an Optima Red/Yellow Top battery and a high output alternator (look online, they're all over the place) if you want to bump a system and not **** up everything else .

l@rryd

I know thats one way of solving the issues but what I was asking is is that really necesary for running one 150watt amp?

l@rryd

Now I have another question.. I just replaced the alternator and the new is one doing great and it seems to have solved another problem and I cant figure out why.

Before my SRS light would come on pretty much all the time and I had no idea why but it hasnt come back on since I did the alternator install, could it have been a bad alternator causing that light?

Archidictus

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by l@rryd &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Now I have another question.. I just replaced the alternator and the new is one doing great and it seems to have solved another problem and I cant figure out why.

Before my SRS light would come on pretty much all the time and I had no idea why but it hasnt come back on since I did the alternator install, could it have been a bad alternator causing that light?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sure could've. Low voltage output wrecks havoc with your gauge cluster

d16tuner

A stock alternator is fine for that wattage. Forget about it. If you add a half dozen more amps and your headlights lights dim when the base hits, then think about upgrading