what is the battery voltage sapost to be on a stock 98 civic d16y7. isn't it sapost to be like 14+ like most cars?

the reason i ask is if i drive mine with the headlights on and the ac it drops down to 13.4-13.6 and idles like **** and feels a little boged down but if i turn EVERYTHING off and idle / drive around its just like new runs fine and battery is at about 14.1 14.2

does this mean either my alt and or battery is dying? (all voltages checked with a known good fluke meter)

 

12-14 volts is normal. Have the battery and Alt tested. It is totally normal for the motor to "bog down" with the AC on and for the car to be slower/have less power. The AC pulls a load on the motor. Now if your car wants to die with the AC on then check the IACV to make sure it is not dirty and is working correctly.

 

Our little motors will feel sluggish with the A/C on. Hell, sometimes on the highway I need to turn off the A/C to maintain speed up a hill. But it should still idle ok and run smoothly. As mentioned, places like AutoZone will test your battery and alternator for free.