Dimming Lights(dash and headlamps) in civic

[chd1287]

The headlights and dash lights are generally not very bright in my wife's civic, and sometimes dim even more. The idle kind of jumps around a bit too. I obviously can't really tell though when I'm driving though. I know the alternator is good. Could it be the battery? Possibly some type of voltage regulator or something? Its really annoying though. Makes driving around at night kind of dangerous, especially in the snow. The car is a 97

[somick]

I would make sure all contacts are good. Especialy grounds. Check battery posts for tight contact as well.

If you have a voltmeter check the voltage at battery posts. Suppose to be around 12.6 volts vehicle not running and something between 13 or 14 volts when your engine runs.

Some automotive stores will check your charging system for free. Autozone will do it.

Good luck,

Sam

[Dimension_X]

I had a similar problem in my 2000 Accord, it was really starting to bug me (the dimming lights). 2 Things come to mind, battery and alternator. Take your car to a kragen, or have a friend do it for free (I got a buddy at Walmart) he checked it and it came back with a code saying there was a bad diode in the alternator. So, I got that repaired and now it works fine. A dead battery wouldn't make the lights dim because after the car starts the alternator runs everything for the most part. The battery is there to get the car started. If your car is starting then I wouldnt suspect the battery. Just have a electronics check, and see whats going on.