1997 Honda Civic car won't start

TAYLORDD

MEMBER
1997 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
96,600 MILES

I own a 97 honda civic, which I've had for 10 yrs.
My car stalls after driving it for 15 to 20 miles while the is air condition on. After it sits for 30 minutes or so I'm able to start it and it run just fine. The indicator light dosen't light up either. I noticed the interior lights dims, but the horn is strong. Someone told me that it sounds like the alternator is going out. If it is, ruffly what is the cost?

Thanks

Taylordd

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Taylor,

Sorry I am unable to provife costings.

Does the dim interior lights glow brighter when revving up the engine?

If the starter can crank well, it most ptobably is not the alternator, but anyway you should check the charging voltage.

If engine can crank but does not fire up and check engine light is not showing, I would suggest checking the main relay, known to be problematic.

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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 2:16 AM

TAYLORDD

MEMBER
1 POST

Yes, the enterior light got brigther and the starter cranks well after the car has rested for a while. I drove the car 19 miles with the air condition on and once I cut the engine off I could not crank it up again. It kept getting that draggy sound like the battery was dying. Later on, maybe about an hour and the car cranked right up. I drove the same distances(19 miles)back without the air condition on with no problems and the enterior light was bright. How do I check the charging voltage? What's a main relay? How does it affect my car?

Thanks

taylordd

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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 3:29 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Taylor,

You need a volt meter to test the charging rate.

Connect it across the battery with the ebgibe running and see what is the voltage. Should be 13.5 to 14.5 v.

Check with no load and loaded, ie, withAC and headlights on. If it drops, it should be the alternator is not good.

Check if beltings are loose.

Your symptoms points to low charging rate.

Is the charge light in meter showing while engine is running and when igntion is turned on?

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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 7:48 AM