QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1998 Honda Civic DX with approximately 194,000 miles. This morning, the lights started to flicker, the speedometer quit working and the radio turned off. After another mile or so, the car stalled and wouldn't restart. I was able to get it started after waiting about 10 minutes. I just replace the battery a few months ago, so I wondering if it could be the alternator?
ANSWER: Clay, sounds to me like you are losing main power 12V+ or a (-) ground wire is loose. Whichever in the engine bay of that vehicle there is about 5 (-) grounds. With a 194K on the vehicle you might want to consider replacing these basic neccessities that are fairly inexpensive.
You should have the alternator checked. Remove the alternator yourself and take it to a local auto parts retailer. They will test this free of charge. Or take this to an auto-electrical specialist. They can test this while the car is running. Should be free of charge for this basic service.
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QUESTION: Thanks for your help. It hasn't done it again since that day, but I will check into everything as a precaution. I want to keep things running for as long as possible.
AnswerClay, np... Your alternator, battery, and starter are all related to each other directly. If one unit fails then this will drag down the next, so on and so forth. I replace all of my battery's at 60 months regardless (5 years). Even if it says it is 84 month battery. There are indications of when your battery was built in a colored sticker somewhere on the battery.
