1997 Honda Civic Logo
Posted on Nov 15, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Headlights/ dash lights flashing

My 97 civic (145,000 Miles) Just started doing something weird. When running all lights on the car seem to flash or surge, they never go completely out but it looks like I am emergency traffic at night. It also makes the spedo go crazy, it will go from 0mph to 100mph back and forth, The one thing I have notice is that it seems to be better at idle.

Thanks

1 Answer

Jason

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  • Expert 218 Answers
  • Posted on May 27, 2009
Jason
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Joined: Mar 18, 2008
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It sounds like a faulty voltage regulator, faulty alternator, or a bad ground. Try checking the voltage output with a voltmeter, preferably an analog (needle) type. If the needle is "bouncing" then the output of the alternator is not "steady". This voltage variation, if severe enough, could cause your electronic meters (such as your speedometer) to perform erratically.

Also, if you have performed any aftermarket modifications to the electrical system (such as high power stereo installs, etc), temporarily disconnect these and see if the problem resolves. A stock alternator for this car only puts out around 70-80 amps. It doesn't leave much of a margin for additional current draw from high power add-ons.

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