SoccerNut

Quick question....My lights on my 96 civic go dim when I hit the brakes but go bright again when I apply gas. I think its the altenator but just want to make sure. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Clint

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, more than likely your alt or the connections thereabouts. Auto or stick....are your lights dim at idle? Do you have a system? Fog lights? Does it happen when just parked, light on, and you hit the brakes? How about with the engine off...turn the lights on and tap the brake. If the same thing happens it's not the alternator, but rather the battery or wiring.

Rice Burner

Usually it's the battery. keep in mind that with this cold we've been having lately it's really tough on a battery and the electrical system. How old is the battery and how old the alt.?

SoccerNut

Not too sure. I think the altenator is the one it came with when new and I think the battery is about 2 years old. I just bought the car 4 months ago.

imported_jaysi

Like someone said, if you're running the heat fan on high with the rear defroster and headlights on...you're straining your battery. Its quite normal for that to happen in this type of weather.

If you dont have the heater on high or the rear defroster on then it may be the battery...highly doubt it's the alt.

SoccerNut

Usually when I have all that running is when I notice it.

PRELUDEGIRL

it is the altenator, you probably dont clean your airfilter much. also like rice burner said, check your battery too

Rice Burner

I wouldn't worry than it's prob. because of the cold and you have everything running, it's straining the battery and electrical. When your idleing the alt. is working as hard as when your driving.

PRELUDEGIRL

i totally agree and that i know for a fact!

Rice Burner