My girlfriend has a 97 civic, and the electrical system sort of flickers or sputters from time to time. I would describe it as going from 100% down to 50% momentarily, then back up to 100%. You notice it when the headlights suddenly dim. I really noticed it last night when I was looking at it from the outside and saw the tail lights flicker. It only sputters for less than a second, but it is annoying and i'm sure unsafe. Anyone have any ideas or have seen this before? It almost seems like the whole system has a bad ground or something. The battery does not have any corrosion on the posts. Thanks.
electrical flicker in 97 civic
- Thread starter ewarnerusa
- Start date
i would take the battery to your local autoparts store and get it charged as well as get your alternator tested. how long has this been happening, and is it just the electronics sputtering, or the car itself?
Just the electronics sputter, from what I can tell. Actually, just the exterior lights seem like they sputter. No change in engine performance, it doesn't sound like it misses or anything. The stereo never misses a beat. I always just thought it was the headlights, until I saw the tail lights do it last night. The first time I noticed the flicker was this summer, but my girlfriend says that it has done it for a while. I think the battery is fairly new. Thanks for the reply.Originally posted by Rice4Brains
i would take the battery to your local autoparts store and get it charged as well as get your alternator tested. how long has this been happening, and is it just the electronics sputtering, or the car itself?
time for a new battery....
maybe check on the alternator while your at it....
maybe check on the alternator while your at it....
Alternator has a bad internal regulator problem. Honda sent out a bulletin in 1998 stating they had a problem with some of the 1997-1998 Civics with this problem. You will have to replace the alternator. It isn't covered under warrenty though.
Craig
Craig
It happens whenever it wants. It doesn't matter if the stereo is on or turn signals or I'm braking or anything like that. From the replies here, I would say that it has a bad alternator. Thanks for replying.Originally posted by 1bad-eg
Hey, EWARNERUSA, when does the flicker happen? Does it happen when you turn the left or right turn signal on or does it happen whenever it wants to?
Well that sucks, but it seems to explain the problem. Thanks for the reply.Originally posted by CTYankeeboy
Alternator has a bad internal regulator problem. Honda sent out a bulletin in 1998 stating they had a problem with some of the 1997-1998 Civics with this problem. You will have to replace the alternator. It isn't covered under warrenty though.
Craig
Ed