Car: 00 Civic CX
Motor: 98+ JDM DC2 R

Problem:
At night (the only time of day I can visibly see the problem) the headlight & instrumentation light would get dimmer as soon as I step on the gas pedal. And it will stay dim as long as I have the gas pedal pressed. The lights will revert back to original state as soon as I let go of the pedal.

However, as I keep revving the engine (past ~5000rpm). it would revert back to full intensity

The lights does not dim out/get brighter proggresively, but rather like an instant switch from one brightness to another.

My first attempt to remedy the situation was to add an additional ground wire directly from the alternator to the chassis. That didn't seem to alleviate the problem.

I tried testing the alternator at AutoZone but they didnt have the correct plugs on their tester. I have also replaced the alternator with another alternator from a 99 JDM DC2 R, but the problem still remains.

I'm open to ANY ideas as to what you think is the cause of this annoying glitch. I have a feeling that the motor isn't running in it's full potential because of this.

Thanks in advance,


[Modified by Mario, 3:33 AM 1/2/2003]

 

G101 ground. make sure you have a good connection at the thermostat housing.

 

Alternator belt is good as well?

 

Check your main engine grounds. Sounds like one or few might not be making proper contact.

 

If all else fails ground directly to the battery and alternator. Repeat your conditions. And, see if there's any improvement.

 

Thanks for the replies.

G101 Ground is intact and is clean.

How often does the alternator belt need replacing? The motor has low mileage. I suppose I can just take it off and inspect it myself.

So people tell me it might just be bad ground. So, I will construct my own Grounding (Earthing) kit in a few days and hope that will solve the problem.

 

Check Alt fuse and ELD fuses. under dash and under hood.