Electrical Gremlins: Starting issues

BombSquad91

New Member
5+ Year Member
1989 Civic DX Hatch 5spd D15B2 motor
170 amp Alterstart alternator
0 gauge wire from battery to starter
0 gauge wire from battery to under hood fuse box
0 gauge ground wire
First symptom:
My battery light in my cluster is flickering. Not flashing, flickering. At idle it stays off. When I rev the engine it flickers lightly. When I'm in gear and giving it throttle it flickers almost to the point of strobing.
Second symptom:
The other lights in the cluster all glow slightly at high RPM's.
Third symptom:
Battery seemingly dying. Ill turn the key to start and it will half crank then stop and my Voltage meter will say LO. I wait a few minutes and the car stutters to a start.
Fourth Symptom:
I have a Stinger digital voltage meter. It jumps from 12v to 13.8v while I'm driving. The alternator tops out at 14.1v under full throttle. That's normal. But sometimes ill be driving and it will stay at 12v then jump to 13.2 like its supposed to then drop back down. The fluctuations are completely random.
5th Symptom:
When I turn the key to the on position the lights in the cluster that stay on are the signal light indicators and the high beam light indicator. When I turn the key to start nothing happens. Then I pump the clutch a few times, the indicator lights shut off, and I turn the key and the car starts like normal. Then again when I'm driving the battery light flickers, the voltage jumps around, and the indicator lights flicker.
Any ideas?
Troubleshooting suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
 

00siboy

lurkin...
Registered VIP
Sounds like a charging problem, causing battery problems, causing starting problems.

Your battery light is flickering because the alternator is sending a low voltage signal. This is either because:
1. Your alternator is not charging up to spec. Most auto parts stores will perform a starting and charging system test for free, like Autozone. It should never drop below 12.6v at any time.
2. The signal wiring is damaged. Visually check the signal wiring from the alternator connector to the cluster. If a frayed wire is rubbing on the engine (grounding) it can send a low voltage reading, which is why your battery light is flickering, not staying solid.
 


ImportFan1

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Report the posts please so the mod staff can taking care of them as quickly as possible.
 




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