just for reference this is a 98 civic ex

Ok so I pulled out my multimeter and my haynes manual so i could test my charging system because I have reason to believe that is causing my dropping idle. The manual reads that with the ignition off the battery should read about 12.5, i got a reading of 12.49-12.51 so that was good, the next step was to turn the car on and rev to 2000rpms where it should read between 13.5-14.5, for the first few seconds i got a reading of 14.25, but then it dropped to 12.51 like the original reading, i also tried turning on some of the accessories like the ac and not much changed, it would appear that my alternator is putting out enough to keep things going but not enough to get it all the way up, so what do you guys think? Before i did the testing myself I had a previous notion something was wrong when i went to advanced autoparts and they tested my battery and they said it had the right voltage but a low charge

also according the the manual in the case of replacing the alternator i must remove the axle, is that necessary or is there some way to remove it without taking out the axle?

 

You have the same model as me. I didnt remove the axle, it came out right through the top. Took me about 30 mins topps. You just have to remove the top bracket and your golden

 

My guess is that you could use a new alternator..

And I've never done one in a 98 but I suspect the only reason they say to take the axle out is so it is easier to get the alternator out of the engine compartment but you might be able to do it without doing that

 

while your car is on unplug the battery if it shuts off you need a new altonator.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SOHC_me &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">while your car is on unplug the battery if it shuts off you need a new altonator.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ill try that, not do i remove the power cable or ground cable?

 

if u gonna change ur alternator disconnect ur battery..

 

**** i dont remember, but i think you remove the power, the red one.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SOHC_me &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">**** i dont remember, but i think you remove the power, the red one.</TD></TR></TABLE>

correct

 

ok so i just removed it and the car continued to run without a hitch, what could that mean, is it possible i might just need a new battery?

 

have you tried to clean your IACV? its mentioned a lot on here when ppl talk about unusual idle.

 

yeah i cleaned it, it was filthy but it looks much better, honestly i have had the same idle problem with any honda i have ever owned and recently it hasnt been as bad, but i been getting some crazy light dimming at night so that maybe due that i need a new battery or i need to sand the surface contacts for my grounds