2001 Honda Civic 2001 Civic Electrical problem

CURIOPROP

MEMBER
2001 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
120,000 MILES

Hi, My 2001 civic drive fine on the hwy for about 10 mins and then loses electrical power. The radio goes blank, the headlight dim and theSRS light comes on. Put the clutch in and reduce the revs and all the power comes back. Speed back up to 80K (50mph) and it loses power again. The engine seems to run fine. It started this morning fine and I get 14.06 Vdc across the battery at idle and 12.66 after I shut it off for afew minutes. It was -13C (8 F ) this morning and the car started fine. I clerand the battery terminals and took the car for a test. Same problems.

Any ideas appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Steve,

Run engine to operating temp and test charging voltage at idle.
Test voltage with full load, ie headlights, AC etc ON.

Are there any abnormal noise such as loose belts etc from engine?

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Saturday, February 28th, 2009 AT 5:52 PM

CURIOPROP

MEMBER
1 POST

Thanks KHLow2008, The car needed a boost this morning. Almost but not enough charge in the battery. Anyways, I did what you said and got a reading of about 9.10vdc across the battery under load (I turned on every butten and switch I could find). There are no strange noises I can detect like the squeel of a loose belt. Thanks again for any input.

Steve

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 10:22 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

The charging rate is out of specs and possible causes are :
1. Faulty Alternator. Get it tested.
2. Wiring. If voltage at battery terminals and alternator are different, the main cable from battery to alternator has bad continuity. Check for signs of overheating at wireharness connectors and fuses.
3. Faulty crank pulley.

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Monday, March 2nd, 2009 AT 1:45 PM