Electrical components pulsing/flickering
11-03-2015, 04:04 PM
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Electrical components pulsing/flickering
Have a 2000 Acura 1.6 EL 5 spd canadian spec.
Issue is my electrical components (dash lights, head lights, heater blower) will pulsate intermittently. By intermittent I mean the issue only happens once every couple weeks, for 5-10 minutes during driving. Possibly happens more frequently in cold/wet weather. In addition, my rear speakers and sub woofer will cut out when the issue is present.
Alternator and Battery tests came back fine, and I have had this issue for 2.5 years. It has not gotten worse, battery has never died, no charge light indicator present. Checked my grounds, .. they are old, but nothing obviously wrong.
No CEL light, although I did have one on for one day, but it cleared before I could check it. Fuse #15 is not blown.
The one interesting thing is when the issue is present, if I increase the electrical load (rear defroster, blower fan full, and hit brake lights) the rear speakers kick back in, and the lights flickering/pulsating is gone. If I take the load off again, issue comes back.
This made me think ELD, but I read some where that Canadian 2000civics/acura's did not have an ELD AND/OR the ELD could only be replaced by replacing the entire under hood fuse box.
I'm not ruling out alternator/voltage regulator, as when I tested it, the issue was not present. It's tough to test the battery/alternator when the car has the problem, as it usually only happens when I'm driving. Car warm or cold makes no difference. Happens randomly.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Issue is my electrical components (dash lights, head lights, heater blower) will pulsate intermittently. By intermittent I mean the issue only happens once every couple weeks, for 5-10 minutes during driving. Possibly happens more frequently in cold/wet weather. In addition, my rear speakers and sub woofer will cut out when the issue is present.
Alternator and Battery tests came back fine, and I have had this issue for 2.5 years. It has not gotten worse, battery has never died, no charge light indicator present. Checked my grounds, .. they are old, but nothing obviously wrong.
No CEL light, although I did have one on for one day, but it cleared before I could check it. Fuse #15 is not blown.
The one interesting thing is when the issue is present, if I increase the electrical load (rear defroster, blower fan full, and hit brake lights) the rear speakers kick back in, and the lights flickering/pulsating is gone. If I take the load off again, issue comes back.
This made me think ELD, but I read some where that Canadian 2000civics/acura's did not have an ELD AND/OR the ELD could only be replaced by replacing the entire under hood fuse box.
I'm not ruling out alternator/voltage regulator, as when I tested it, the issue was not present. It's tough to test the battery/alternator when the car has the problem, as it usually only happens when I'm driving. Car warm or cold makes no difference. Happens randomly.
Thanks in advance for any input.
11-04-2015, 08:20 PM
#2
Re: Electrical components pulsing/flickering
I think the alternator is failing.
Also try cleaning and tightening the battery connectors/posts, as well as the battery ground attached to the chassis.
Also try cleaning and tightening the battery connectors/posts, as well as the battery ground attached to the chassis.
11-04-2015, 08:38 PM
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11-05-2015, 12:40 PM
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Re: Electrical components pulsing/flickering
The alternator has a Voltage Regulator, internal to it. When alternator gets weak, or, perhaps Voltage Regulator.. same difference, it's most noticeable when the car first turns on.
Had this happen I think on a Nissan, I forget.. Changed alternator, never did that again.
Alternator.
11-08-2015, 07:02 PM
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Re: Electrical components pulsing/flickering
+2
The alternator has a Voltage Regulator, internal to it. When alternator gets weak, or, perhaps Voltage Regulator.. same difference, it's most noticeable when the car first turns on.
Had this happen I think on a Nissan, I forget.. Changed alternator, never did that again.
Alternator.
The alternator has a Voltage Regulator, internal to it. When alternator gets weak, or, perhaps Voltage Regulator.. same difference, it's most noticeable when the car first turns on.
Had this happen I think on a Nissan, I forget.. Changed alternator, never did that again.
Alternator.
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