Hi, I have a '98 Accord LX and all of a sudden the dash lights came on as I was driving. At first, they would go off for a while and then come back on, and now they are flickering and fading on and off. This includes the "door open" lights, oil pressure, etc. They are not always ALL on or off. I tested the battery and it was 12.6 V at idle and went over 13 V with AC etc. on and it even spiked to over 16 V for a second or two - which I assume is bad. I tested from the alternator wire out to the neg. terminal of the battery and it was OL. I checked the 100 amp fuse and it looked good. Is this probably the alternator or the voltage regulator and are they separate or together in the alternator unit. Thanks for any help.

 

This sounds like a failing alternator.

The alternator has an internal regulator. It is usually purchased and replaced as an assembled unit. However, an alternator's parts can be replaced. There may be other worn parts too, other than just the regulator; for example, the brush pack, etc.

 

Yes, it did turn out to be the alternator. I took it out and had it tested and it failed so I got one out of a 2000 Accord at a "pull your own parts" wrecker for $20.00 and hope it lasts a few years. Thanks for the help.