Hey guys I have a 1999 Civic EX and Im having some problems with my alternator. I noticed after installing my stereo that when coming to a stop with the clutch in the headlights would dim. Then my battery started leaking acid so I replaced the batery and now the new battery is doing the same so I figure it has to be the alternator. Im figuring the battery is being overcharged so Im pretty sure the voltage regulator in the alternator is shot. Now I have a couple questions before I replace it.

1) What year alternators can I look for if I choose to just buy one from a junkyard or what not? Do I need a 96-00 model or can I use the 92-95?

2) I started noticing problems when I installed my stereo system and I want to know if I should purchase a higher output alternator or not. Im only running one AMP (Alpine MRV-100M Mono Sub Amp) with a JL12W3. I really dont consider it pushing alot of power (150W x 1 @ 12V) but I dont know if the stock 75amp alternator is enough. I was looking at the alternators from Alterstart but Id rather not spend 200 if I dont have to. The only other thing I can possibly think of for reasoning of the alternator going is plain out usage as my car has 178k miles on it.

Thanks in advance for the help

 

u need an altenator from a 96+ civic (earlier years fit, but wont plug in). you shouldnt need a high output altenator for that small of a setup. i replaced mine at pepboys.... ~$130 after exchange if i remember correctly

 

Ebay usually has high output alternators.

 

should be 100 bucks at auto zone with core exchange

 

Now I have another question.. I just replaced the alternator and the new is one doing great and it seems to have solved another problem and I cant figure out why.

Before my SRS light would come on pretty much all the time and I had no idea why but it hasnt come back on since I did the alternator install, could it have been a bad alternator causing that light?

 

Yeah, the SRS light is tied into all kinds of crazy stuff.