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Old 01-30-2006, 09:52 PM   #7
Hybrid1990crx
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Re: 1990 civic battery or alt problems

Quote:
Originally Posted by Figori
Actually.... Since our cars have computers, disconnecting the battery while it's running will ALWAYS kill the motor. So, that test is invalid. Just take it to AutoZone, let them hook the machine up to your car and tell you, or do like Hybrid said and take it off of the car and let them test it. That is going to be your best bet.

Also, a bad alternator will kill your battery, as well as a bad battery can kill your alternator. Kind of a viscious cycle, I know. And the lights going bright and dim is defenitely sounding like a bad voltage regulator. So. Get that thing tested, man.
um thats acutally wrong

if you unhook a battery the car will still run, the alternator is still producing power (if its good), but its also very bad to unhook the battery with the car running, since the battery acts as a filter for the voltage. Running without a batter can cause a voltage spike and fry your ecu.
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