Dash indicator lights and head lights begin to flash slightly, dies

Tiny
COOKIECARS
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 HONDA CITY
  • 160,000 MILES
After the car runs for a bit, the dash indicator lights and head lights begin to flash slightly, dies, can't find a ground short anywhere.

Had the top block rebuilt, 1 and 2 were misfiring. Drove it first night, wouldn't start the next morning. Alternator was bad. Replaced Alternator. Runs for a bit than dash lights and head lights begin flashing. If I turn it off, won't start. Also speedometer stopped working first night, now jumps occasionally. Checked ground on alternator, they didn't have it tight. Tightened it, no real change.

Can't seem to see any other ground or wire that is loose. Any help would be great.
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 AT 11:25 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Start at the battery. Make sure everything is clean and tight. Check at the starter too. It sounds like you have a bad ground. If the alternator was bad, the lights would most likely not flicker. One other thought. There is a fuseable link between the alt and the battery. Check to make sure it isn't damaged.
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Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 AT 2:04 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The most common ground failure would be between the battery negative terminal and the transmission.

With engine running, check the charging rate. Ensure the voltage between the alternator the main post and ground are similar to between the battery terminals. A bad connection between the alternator and battery or fuse would not allow the the battery to be charged.

Rebuilt alternators are known to be bad as well so do not rule that out.
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Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 AT 6:22 AM
Tiny
COOKIECARS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the ideas, we'll try those tonight and let you know.
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Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 AT 9:55 AM

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