97 Civic Hatch, CX

Engine light is on, but I'm throwing this out there if anyone can spot the problem immediately.

car starts OK (has hard time if sits for a day or more - even with brand new battery). once I step on the accelerator, the engine gently revs (every second) and the entire electrical system (headlights, fan, dashboard lights) pulses as the engine revs.

Thanks.

 

Take it to Autozone (if you have one in your area) and they can use an ODB scanner to try and figure out what the Check engine light is on for. I'm fairly certian they do this for free. But it does sound like your alternator is on its' way out.

 

I replaced my alternator with a 135 amp alt about a month ago (running about 3000 watts in my system) but my old one was about to go before I replaced it. It was pulsing like you say, thats a classic sign of failure. Mine would come and go, but eventually the alt will fail. Before gettin a check up, or replacing the alt (fairly easy) check battery terminals to make sure you have a good connection... it is possible you have an engine problem unrelated to the light pulsing, but more then likely its your alt. Also consider getting a decent aftermarket alt.... not much more, plus handles much higher loads and lasts longer... mine is an alterstart (got it on ebay).

 

Thanks for the quick info.

 

I have the same exact problem with my wifes 99 Accord EX. I had the alternator replaced back in the summer, unfortunately I have gone through 2 more in the pas 5 months. The alternators were covered by the shop and they had a problemwith getting shotty ones. Well the alternator has been fine but the lights inside and out constantly pulse from normal to dim.

I even followed my wife as she drove it and the rear lights have the same problem. The check engine light is on (my honda dealer is no help) and the car runs perfect.

Any ideas aside from another alternator, they will not replace it unless it's dead and Honda is never helpful even though the car is still under warranty. I'mnotpaying another $80 for them to say it might be the alternator but untilit dies they can'tdo anything.