ok so the other day i got like 4 random CEL's. something to do with o2 sensor heater and ELD "electronic load detector". then the next day the lights start going from normal to dim real fast like and then that progresses to the point that its obvious everything is losing power off and on real fast. engine would not rev when lights dim, radio kept going into security mode like i had just turned the car off, everything dimming and then all the sudden i make a right turn and wham...back to normal. i dont understand it. i checked all the grounds and connections and everything is fine. the alternator was putting out normal voltage too. i don't know what to do but my car's electrical system has some serious issues. please help me! it's a 96 honda civic ex

-andrew

 

do you have a short somewhere? use a meter and determine your vehicles voltage when you are having a problem. if you have access to a high amperage ampmeter, use it and see what your draw is when you are having problems. the ELD can get damaged if you have a short or a damaged charging system component. make sure your batttery terminals, positive terminals, starter connection does not have something touching it causing it to short. be careful, a short can get very hot and start a fire. you can get burnt really bad real fast. 12v power can injure a human.

 

ok i think its the alternator or the voltage regulator within it causing all this....tested battery voltage...drops .01 from 10v about every 2 seconds when u just start the car and dont do anything. if you rev the engine once, then the lights dim and brighten real fast and the charge goes up to about 11v. so i guess it's gotta be the alternator. maybe when i made the right turn it aligned the brushes in the alternator enough to charge it more or something...i don't know....what i do know is if i change the alternator and its still doing this, im gonna be really mad.

 

pull the alt and have it tested before you replace it.