A few days ago my son left a dome light on in our Civic. (05 Ex Special Edition 1.7L).
Dead battery. Jumped the car, drove it for chores for 2 hours. Got home. Went to start it again. Dead.
Took to have charging system checked, said alternator was putting out under 12V when under load. Recommended changing.
So! I bought a Reman Advance Auto Alternator and put it in. I also put in a brand new battery. Checking the charging system it's around 13.5-14 at Idle and doesn't drop under load. Problem solved right?...Wrong!
When the car warms up to operating temperature. While driving. If you apply the brakes and come to a stop. The battery light will flicker on and go back off. Sometimes it's a quick blink. Sometimes it's a few seconds. But it's every time. And only when the car is warmed up. Won't do it first thing in the morning.
I immediately thought I got a faulty Alternator. But every time Advance checks it, or I do with a multimeter. It's putting out great. And they said they won't swap it unless it fails a bench test. Which I doubt it will.
So I tried other avenues. Here is what has been done:
Brand new Positive Battery terminal
Brand new Negative Battery Cable/Terminal
Checked 80a battery fuse and 20a alternator fuse
Replaced Electronic Load Detector
Checked for continuity between battery and Alternator.
Replaced starter (While I was in there anyway)
Tore back down and ensure all bolts/tensioners/belts were tight
I even had her put it in park and I started to "jostle" components/wiring to see if something was loose and causing it to lose connection and I wiggled everything I could wiggle. No battery light.
It ONLY happens when coming to a stop when the car is warmed up.
Guy at Advance said maybe a fault in the brake switch or a short to the brake lights. But you can APPLY the brakes all you want and it won't come on. Only when coming to a stop. Like something is shifting. But I can't find it.
Should I ignore this? The light goes right back off, so I am assuming whatever is happening is breif. Every time we check the Alternator is putting out close to 14V. Should I tear it out again and have it bench tested? Is this a short to that battery bulb? Or does it require more voltage when actually stopping with the brakes and is dropping below thresh hold and it's a brake issue? What am I missing? It's driving me nuts...and Broke.
Sorry for the long post. But any help would be appreciated.