AC taking ALOT of power??

[Kourt]

This just started the past few days on my 98 honda civic, when my AC is running and the car is at idle, all my lights get REALLY dim expecially when I hit the brakes. I don't think its the altenator because when I start it and take the battery off it still runs. My battery is weak but would that cause this problem? I know the AC takes alot of power but it has never been like this before! Help me out someone!

[csmiths]

prob battery or alt.

[khaxnguyen]

assumingly your civic has a single cam... us singlecammers have come to know that we dont have much power so using something that draws up power will reduce our already low power lower lol

[Black4DrEK]

i lose alot of power with my b16 also when ac is on.. its normal for most cars.......

[jew_boy]

three words "it's a Honda" :D

[SampaGuy]

he is talking about electricity power not engine performance, did u even read his post.

most likely battery or alternator, get them both checked

[suprapower]

battery or alt

[Kourt]

Okay I know I have a single cam, and it has been there for the 2 years that I have had the car, notice how I said it just started a few days ago??
Thanks to the people with logical answers, I guess I'll get a new battery, like I said I know its weak just didn't know if it would affect it that much. Thanks again!

[BlueHatch]

Okay I know I have a single cam, and it has been there for the 2 years that I have had the car, notice how I said it just started a few days ago??
Thanks to the people with logical answers, I guess I'll get a new battery, like I said I know its weak just didn't know if it would affect it that much. Thanks again!
i would test the battery before you buy a new one. test your alt too. most autoparts stores can test them both. might save you some money

[G.C]

go to O 'Reilly . You can test your Alternator there for free. g/l

[DecoyOctopus]

sounds like your alternator is going out if it started only a few days ago. but yea on most cars the idle might fall alittle before returning to normal when the ac compressor clutch engages its much more noticable in smaller motors and its normal.

[integra82786]

yeah, the alternator will still function even though it may be going bad. once it reaches the point where it won't run with just the alternator then you are screwed. I would definitely check both the alternator and the battery.

[Kourt]

I had the battery tested tonight and they said it is bad. The machine didn't even say to try charging it, so I guess I should start there since its cheaper than the altenator! Thanks everyone

[AnthonyF]

Kourt-Ok, you found out your battery was bad, this might not fix ur problem. If you were still losing power, that means your alt wasnt working to it's full potential.

-Ant.

[AnthonyF]

three words "it's a Honda" :D

this is a serious section. Keep the dumbass comments in the WL.

-Ant.

[imbatman]

Garage Mechanic Moto: dont replace anything unless it stops working