Title says it all. It's a 98 Civic DX hatch. Automatic.

Even with the key out of the ignition and everything turned off and doors closed the battery light stays on.

There is a system in the car but I checked the amp and it was not on when the car was off.

I jiggled the part of the harness that connects to the alternator and the light turned off. Turning the ignition to the (II) position made the symptom come back and I had to jiggle it again so it wouldn't drain my battery overnight.

Maybe it's nothing but also when the car is on the (II) position and I listen to the radio, the battery light does not come on to tell me it's not charging. I'm pretty sure it's supposed to.

Anyone know what might be causing this any why? I'm thinking I should take a good look at everything connected to the alternator but am not sure.

p.s., I tried searching and couldn't find anyone who had the exact same problem. Only people who's light came on while driving and left them stranded.

 

Test the ignition switch.

 

How exactly do I go about doing this?

 

See diagram in FAQs sticky.

 

I can use a simple continuity tester with a light on it, right?

 

Yes

 

Okay, I got a 12v test light and I have both connectors unplugged from their counterparts, and battery negative unplugged. but after that I'm unsure of what to do. (never done any electrical testing before)

 

Check sticky as Ron stated.

 

Yeah, I got the diagram but I'm not sure what it means to check the continuity between terminals. My test light only has the probe end and a ground. Do I need a multimeter?

 

Yes you need a multi meter

A--------------b

From point a to point b you have continuity


A---- ------b

In this example the meter would read infinite or no continuity

A-----0000-----b

If you had resistance in the circuit you would see it in ohms on the meter 10 ohms 5 ohms etc