Civic CX Hatchback L4-1590cc 1.6L SOHC MFI (1997)
2.
Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature, then connect a voltmeter to the positive and negative terminals on the battery.
3.
Read the charging voltage after running the engine at 2,000 rpm for 5 to 10 minutes with all electrical loads OFF
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If the reading is less than 13.5 V or more than 15.1 V, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
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If the reading is between 13.5 V and 15.1 V, go to step 4.
4.
Turn off the ignition switch, and connect the voltmeter to the battery positive terminal and the alternator B terminal.
5.
Start the engine, then read the voltage drop with the engine at 2,000 rpm and all electrical loads ON.
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If the reading is less than 0.4 V, the charging system is working OK at this time. Return the vehicle to the customer.
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If the reading is more than 0.4 V, tighten the nut on the alternator B terminal and the bolt attaching the white wire to the under-hood fuse/relay
box. Go to step 6.
6.
Repeat the voltage drop test.
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If the reading is less than 0.4 V, the charging system is working OK at this time. Return the vehicle to the customer.
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If the reading is still more than 0.4 V, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
Repair Procedure
Replace the alternator (see page 23-105 of the 1996-1998 Civic Service Manual).