03 Civic Electrical Problems..started today

[gav91183]

So on my way to work I was at a light and all of a sudden my radio turns off(red light was blinking), lights are on but don't work or very dim, ABS light comes on(stays on) and then my gauges die. If I turn off my lights, the radio slowly comes back on, gauges work and then the ABS light stays on. I'm thinking it is my alternator, but I have no idea and an hour drive back home from work. This is on my 2003 civic EX with 145000 miles on it. Just did the clutch, rebuilt transmission and then the head gasket blew. I think it's time to get rid of this POS!

Any ideas or help would be great.

[Swamp Donkey]

Sounds like signs of a failing battery. I would swing by Oreilly's and have it tested. Have the alternator tested as well.

[Skidonenko]

If this happened while the engine was running when this started happening 99 percent sure it is the alternator.

Simple test, If you disconnect the battery while it is running it should stay running. If it dies the alternator is poop.

Or get a volt meter if you would like to be 100%

[shumpertdavid]

Simple test, If you disconnect the battery while it is running it should stay running. If it dies the alternator is bad

Old school way of thinking, new school way of possibly damaging the computer and electronics. Why people insist in doing things the old way.

I do agree, a volt meter would be a good way to test the alternator, or take it to O'reillys or Napa.

[JimD]

Old school way of thinking, new school way of possibly damaging the computer and electronics. Why people insist in doing things the old way.

I do agree, a volt meter would be a good way to test the alternator, or take it to O'reillys or Napa.

X2, do not disconnect the battery. Volt meter direct to batt lug on alt.