Charging System Light Flashes When Shifting Up?

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Eric Wright

New member
I have a Honda Civic, 1994 (i think), and when I accelerate and the car shifts from 1st to 2nd, and from 2nd to 3rd, the charging system light flashes for just a quick second. This does not happen when going from 3rd to overdrive. I've checked the transmission fluid, and that is fine. Also the alternator was replaced 3 months ago, so I know the charging system is good. This problem sure stumps me, so any help would be appreciated.
 
Hmmm...Sounds like this is an automatic trans, right? The only thing I can think of is at the slower speeds the rpm's aren't enough to get full power from the alternator, just for that brief second between shifts. Does it do it if you put your foot into it? This could be the belt, but they should have replaced that with the alternator if the old one was bad. Another possibility is that it's not the right alternator for that particular car. Does it ever happen at idle?... Also check the connections on the alternator and make sure everything is tight and making good contact. I would look up the part # for the alt and take it back to whoever changed it out to see if they used the exact one for your car. Here's one resource. Hope this helps!
 
I am not sure about the Honda but some vehicles do not actually charge the battery at idle to lo-rpms,so I was thinking when it shifted and the rpm's dropped it was flashing the light at you,if the alternator was replaced its possible the battery is getting old and slowly dying. I would test the battery,double check the output of the alt-its possible to buy a faulty unit-and hopefully its that simple.If not it could be something crazy in the computer.
 
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