Flickering lights

[Hazwan]

I noticed that my headlights or any lights for that matter is flickering only when the engine is running, no matter what RPM. They are fine when the engine is off.

New battery and alternator, less than 10k miles on them.

What else could be wrong? wiring?

Also can anyone post a pic of the fuse label? Mine is missing.

[2ndGenGuy]

Here is a pic of the fuse panel. Hard to get a good pic of transparent plastic!

It sounds like your new alternator might be dying. Maybe the voltage regulator or something.

[Hazwan]

Thanks for the pic

Any way for me to test the alternator on my own? I'm suspecting the voltage regulator as well, but need to make sure its not anything else before I spend money replacing it

[2ndGenGuy]

Well, most of the auto parts stores around here will test it for free. I know that the Honda factory service manual for my 84 will tell you how to test all the components. I will give you the info in a while tonight.

[2ndGenGuy]

Here is the page from the factory service manual for 1984. Not sure if it will help at all, or if I'm even allowed to post stuff from the book. Click it for a full-res image.

[Hazwan]

thanks a lot!

[Detlef]

Hi Hazwan
Flickering lights while the engine is running, can be caused by the alternator and / or the voltage regulator only.
First check the ground connections VERY carefully! (alternator, engine, battery, main fuse)
and then the 12V wiring (alternator / regulator / battery)
Are the engine ground wires fitted and ok?
Clean the battery main connectors. (the battery pin AND the inside of the clamp)
Sometimes a connection looks fine, but it is oxidated, or the wire is ratteled loose in the connector socket, but fixed by the isolation.
These faults are often not visible and it can be tricky. But if a connector is bad, you can search for the voltage loss, while the connector is under power.
The rule for this:
>The higher the current, the more voltage get lost<
Connect a voltmeter in front and behind the suspect connector, it should show no voltage lost or difference, if the connector is ok.
Then check the alternator brushes (even when it's new, maybe they stick a little)
and the voltage regulator.
The Accord SJ got an external regulator:

Bigger version:

Good luck, Detlef
PS:
Look for your mailbox, I scanned the charging system chapter for you.

[Hazwan]

As always, thanks for the scan Detlef

[HondaBoy]

let me seal the deal. all times we had cars come in with flickering lights as you said, it has been a bad voltage regulator. my lights on my accord dim as i turn my stereo up and my sub is bumpin. but i think that has to do with it drawing a lot of power.

['79accord]

hazwan,
I've got the same problem could you let me know what you found in your tests. you can send me a message or just post after me thanks