SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSHONDA2002CIVIC SIREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 127 (CHARGING SYSTEM)ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING
2002 Honda Civic Si

Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting

2002 Honda Civic SiSECTION Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Honda Odyssey and 2005 Honda Odyssey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Make sure the battery connections are good and the battery is sufficiently charged.
  2. Connect a VAT-40 (or equivalent tester), and turn the selector switch to position 1 (starting).
    Fig 1: Connecting VAT-40 (Or Equivalent Tester)
    G03703551Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm, with no load (in park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  4. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there.

    Is the voltage over 15.1 V? 

    1. YES  - Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ) or rear housing assembly (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL  ).
    2. NO  - Go to step 5.
  5. Release the accelerator pedal, and let the engine idle.
  6. Make sure all accessories are turned off. Turn the selector switch to position 2 (charging).
  7. Remove the inductive pickup, and zero the ammeter.
  8. Place the inductive pickup over the B terminal wire of the alternator so that the arrow points away from the alternator.
  9. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there.

    Is the voltage less than 13.5 V? 

    1. YES  - Go to alternator control circuit troubleshooting (see ALTERNATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  ).
    2. NO  - Go to step 10.
  10. Apply a load with the VAT-40 until the battery voltage drops to between 12-13.5 V.

    Is the amperage 87.5 A or more? 

    1. YES  - The charging system is OK.
      NOTE: If the charging system indicator is still on, replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ).
    2. NO  - Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ) or repair the alternator (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL  ).
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsFree Quote CheckQuote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.