So i just changed my alternator and i started up my car after i jumped it and it was running, but when i went to turn my lights on my car started to surge and my lights were flashing, even my cluster lights. any idea what this could me. and the alternator is good.

 

Is the dash battery light on? Is the alternator belt tight? Is fuse 15 under the dash blown?

 

Belt is tight, and no the battery light is not on.

 

Fuse 15?

 

all try it as soon as i get back home and let ya know. thanks.

 

so it was the fuse. and the ground to the alternator was comin undone so i put a new end on it and it was kosher. ha but i still have the surge and i have no idea at about 3 grand i have a sound that sounds like a two step. and it like cuts out while driving if i go under it

 

Check whether fuse 15 has blown again.

 

You should measure across the battery with a volt meter and rev the motor. Check and see if your voltage is rising with the rev.

 

put that on my list of things to try. thanks

 

Recheck fuse 15.

 

I did that. i checked after i replaced it and it was fine.

 

Double checking 7.5A dash fuse #15 is critical because 96-99 Civics have a common short circuit problem that blows this fuse. It's essential to know whether fuse 15 has blown again.

 

its prob either the batt being junk or on low life.. or the alt that u got is a junker ive seen bad alts do that before..are all the terminals tight on the alt and the plug does it have any corrostion like a white powder if put some di electric grease on it and see if it helps..but ill put money on its a bad alt

 

i had the alternator tested and its fine. but i was thinking of buying a new battery. i have owned the car for about 2 years and the person before me was not the smartest so im going to replace it and see what happens. thanks for all your help