HELP! 1999 Honda Accord Sedan LX: Dashboard Lights Turn On While Driving 

I have 364000 miles on my wonderful Honda Accord 1999, runs smoothly and I have the same problem. I took my car to the service and they said the alternator is great. It comes up and in a few seconds, or several times after a few minutes is gone and doesn't show up for another 300 miles of driving! I'll take it back and I show your video, because every time I bring the car to the service the lights are not turning on, and the computer doesn't shows any issue withe the engine! Thank You

I own a 99 Honda Accord V6 and I can confirm that the alternator is the problem! The alternator that came with the car gave up on me and I had a mechanic replace it with what I later found out to be the alternator for a GMC Jimmy. I ended up having to take it to the dealer to get an OEM alternator, and it definitely solved the problem.

I had the same problem changed battery and still had lights on. Finally changed the alternator that fixed the problem!

My 2001 accord had an exactly same problem. After I replaced with used alternator ($50) from junk yard, it's solved the problem.

I had two similar problems on my Accord with 220k miles. Earlier this year blinking lights were accompanied by engine power interruptions. I replaced the ignition switch even though it was once replaced due to a recall. This fixed it. Recently I had blinking lights but engine was running fine. This time I fixed it by replacing the alternator.

Ok so I am about 2 years late to the party but I have a 2000 Honda Accord and have the same problem. I've been looking online and trying to learn from other peoples experiences to save myself money. Based on what I've gathered from multiple places the first place to start is to check battery and connections. If those are good, then next place to check is the Alternator Fuse. Another user reported this being the fix for his car even after changing the alternator didn't fix the problem. So that is the cheapest and first place to start. if that doesn't work, then I'd do alternator or other solutions mentioned above.

@ahghra: I did replaced my battery last January 5th, but obviously the problem still exists. I do believe this problem has been reduced to two probable causes: 1) Bad alternator; and 2) Grounded electricals. I'm leaning towards addressing the alternator first, since when I checked all my service records I found out that it's one part that's still original with the car.

we have a '00 honda odyssey with the same problem. Our lights went from "flickering" to just staying on continously,This actaully started happening a little after just placing a new alternator in our van...after about 3 mths. all three lights just stay on (batter, brake & door ajar lights) no other problems tho'. Husband(mechanic) now thinks we were sold a faulty alternator. Will be trading in for a new alternator tomarrow. Good thing it has a lifetime warranty. I will update results...

I have this problem in my 99 accord coupe off and on for a few months now. I replaced the battery about a month ago. It started flickering again this weekend. As I waited at a red light, all the interior lights dimmed, gauges stopped working, radio flicked on and off...so I pulled over, and the car shut off. I managed turn it back on and get it home...very slowly. I've heard it IS the alternator...just wanted to let you know you're not the only one..but be careful driving!

@Lisa: thx for sharing your experience. Will wait for the result of your alternator swap. As of now, still holding off on buying an alternator; debating whether a brand-new OEM is worth the purchase or just settle with a re-conditioned one. Brand-new costs $200+ from the dealer (part only, no labor), and the re-conditioned (coming from a salvage company) costs around $60-$80. Can't see the ROI of getting a new alternator, only to find out later that the issue is still there. Bummed.

k,Hubby replaced alternator.tested it @ autozone & results came back faulty.they replaced it 4 us.they cost $129 @ auto zone & come w/lifetime warranty.Hubby says u have 2 move the power steering hose,take off motor mount,remove coolant container & belt.Remove 2 screws from top of alternator & 1 screw from bottom. turn alternator upside down in there to remove wires 4rm alternator & Bamm! Re-install new1 the same way.Does not recommend buying a used one. Good Luck!Our van is normal again!

@scruz18: Now I'm 99% sure that it was also the alternator on my Accord. Until a few weeks ago, I was still "rolling the dice" so to speak and used my Accord for short errands, all the while the lights were turning on a few minutes after I fire up the engine. And then 10 days ago I tried to start it up, and then nothing. Just a rattle sound from the starter. My 6-month old battery is now dead. This confirms that in my travels the alternator's not charging the battery. Gotta change it now.

Here are some solutions to this problem, 98-03 Accord have problems with the ignition switch and main relay.. Key thing to keep in mind is Honda alternator die slowly so, even if you get it checked, when the Dashlights flicker, This is the indication that you have a voltage drop below 11.1 volts.. So you need to replace it anyway.. Replace the main relay, ignition switch. If you had the vehicle for more than 2 years, replace the battery (if you planning keep the car).. Good luck everyone..

Check by your intake manifold, there is a wire back there that scrapes on the manifold which makes your headlights, taillights, cluster, srs, and sometimes your mph needle mess up. You just need to insulate this wire and it will be all good.

Wish I saw this video before. After spending about $200 I finally got the alternator replaced. This whole ordeal cost me $500. :(

I had the same problem with my 2000 Honda accord lx v6 and i checked under the hood and it was my alternator belt that had snapped in half. It snapped because the alternator tensioner had locked. It wouldn't spin or lift up or down when trying to install the belt. Its what keeps your battery going and if u leave the problem the way it is then your battery will use whatever it has left and then die. Car won't start or do nothing.

Or can be a bad relay check in the box under the hood loook for dashboard lights

Duranluis1529, it's hard to say that it's also definitely an alternator problem on your end. It could be, but since the alternator is just one part of the entire electrical system, only a competent mechanic or a very good DIYer could find out. Now's the time for us to check our friends list and see if we have a good one that's adept at fixing cars. Good luck to you.

My honda did the same thing I replaced the alternator and it fixed it I hope this helps

i just had the EXACT same event as the video shows,,,replaced alternator,,, all better...

Additional info: I'm using a portable volt meter, the one that can be inserted into the cigarette adapter. When the car's driving fine it reads 14.3v. But when those dashboard lights go off, the reading quickly goes down from 14.3v to about 12.5v sometimes as low as 10.1v. What could the problem be??

mine is doing this too. replaced alt, battery, terminal cables etc. still does it

i had this problem people !!!! i was driving accord 1999 and lights came on it wasnt the ignition switch either batery or brake switch it was the ALTERNATOR

yes exactly, the car would shut off . Its very possible that your ignition switch is just "ok" enough to carry the current needed for the car to run, but when you add the load of turning on the headlights, the ignition switch arcs , shutting off the engine. My ignition switch never failed completely but sometimes arced bad enough to see or smell smoke in the car. Do you recall smelling a electrical burning type odor?

I haven't gotten it fixed yet (no budget). My hunch is still the alternator that's going bad. As I've mentioned before in this post a brand new alternator + installation would cost more than $300 so I'm not sure if it's worth it.

@TheDefJams: I personally don't fault my Accord because of this, because it has been "behaved" for the past 12 years. I think it's just old age, and unfortunately parts need to be replaced one way or another in due time.

The first time this happened to me I was on the freeway driving home from work. I made it home and picked up my roommate to go to auto zone for a diagnostics and my car died as soon as I turned off of my street. My alternator was cooked - so I replaced it with a brand new one. My car was fine for a few weeks and then I noticed more subtle flashes so I bought a new battery. It’s been a few months since I replaced both and I’ll notice my headlights dim when I roll up a window but no dash lights flickering until recently. It flashes so quick while I’m driving and not as extreme as it was but it seems like it’s my door lights and my battery light again.. I’ll probably take it to a mechanic this week to figure out what’s going on.. the last thing I want is it to die on me again. Not too bad for a 15 yr old Car with 256,000 miles on it. I’m just hoping it’s not a crazy bad electrical problem

I have this going on with a 2001 accord lx AFTER an alternator replacement. The bearing in the original alternator was whining real loud but didn't experience any voltage issues. Now with the new alternator, on occasion while driving, these lights come on. Belt is spinning it well, connections are tight, I guess I need to check the new alternator, it's a refurb but I've never had a problem with refurbs before.

I had this problem again..Last year I change the alternator the prob went away. Now It came right back. I have a mechanic coming to check it out soon.......hoping to get this resolve.

yes the car would shut off , but only sometimes during turns , which happened only once every 2 months? I replaced the ignition switch in the steering column, and the problem went away. The old switch I removed shoed evidence of burning and arcing. The 99 Accord had a ignition switch recall, hope this helps.

Im seeing this on my vehicle 2000 accord lx..lights flickering over the past few weeks ,stalled out while driving yesterday. Towing co. Says the alternator is good. Jumped it and started. Still had it towed. This morning it started took it around the block lights came on. Parked it started over and over againno problem tillit just clicked no start. Put another used but good battery and no problems but lights are the same as of the video . Rt now based on comments i will be changing the alternator Will keep people posted

I had similar problem , ignition switch would short out during turns, sometimes causing lights to flicker and sometimes stalling engine. Would cause a funny noise in the steering column , sometimes accompanied by poofs of smoke

Alternator needs to be replace when car is runnig alternator sends the power to the electrical system so when alternator is bad is just cut circuit when ur runnig cuz he tries to send the most power to transmision and other components ....... So chech that

replace the light box, where you change the brightness for the interior. it controls everything, if it is shorted or not functioning properly, it will cause problems.

IT'S A SHORTAGE IN THE DASH BOARD LIGHT FITTING THE 1ST ONE OUT OF THE THREE NEAR THE DRIVER DOOR WIGGLE IT AND IT WILL SAY ON OR REPLACE THE CLUSTER OR CLEAN IT, I JUST FIX MINE I TEAR A LILL PEACE OF CARD BOARD AND FOLD IN UP AND PUT IT IN THE MIDDLE TIGHT SO IT WILL HAVE BETTER CONNECTION

@ahghra: But replacing the alternator w/ a brand new part would set me back $300 so I am considering getting a refurbished one from my local salvage dealers. I don't know, still debating what to do.

I'm also having this problem on my 99 Accord EX coupe and have been told that it could be the alternator even though it is still holding its charge. Another thing that I have noticed is that my car is shifting funny and have read that this could also be a result of a faulty alternator... something about alternator not powering the solenoid correctly. Is anyone else having similar problems or does anyone know whether or not a dying alternator can cause bad shifting?

I have this "problem," exactly. It doesn't effect anything, just an occasional light show. In my experience a new alternator will not help.

I changed my alternator and the problem still exists. Any other suggestions?

...nor will a new battery stop it, either. I've done both.

Did you ever find out what was wrong with your car? I'm having similar problems with mine as well.

@missalrich: I think I saw a similar problem to yours here on RU-vid, and it's different from what mine is having. Search it here. If I'm not mistaken, the issue has something to do with your key and the starter.

did you ever figure it out. i have the same car and problem

my 1993 accord shows all warning lights at doors being open-a efing drag. I found out that signal and parking lot light out at front driver. the signal worked so I did not suspect anything. changed both and lights are not longer on at dash.

@ahghra: My car is just being used for purely errand duties, like no more than 5 miles from home in case it strands me on the road. No budget yet.

super late. but I just had the exact same problem and it was my alternator.

They dont work at night either , I'm deciding on betting a accord til I seen this problem , idk if its a common defect, electrical problem or just ramdom

My 99 accord is doing this exact same thing. Did you ever figure out what the cause was or did you get it fixed?

I have the same problem but I just put a new Alt on after replacing the motor and it does this now only when I am driving slow and the way to get rid of them turning on is revving the engine, no other problems are occurring please help

I meant did you ever get this fixed? and what fixed the problem?

Hello everyone. Anybody have idea on what might be causing this troublesome issue, before I go ahead and replace the alternator? I just don't want to spend on such a pricey part only to find out later on that it didn't solve the problem. Thanks.

I have the same car with the same problem it the voltage regulator on the alternator get a new one and the problem will go away but it does not over charge the battery so I just left it alone it does nothing to the car other then annoy the driver of the car.

I have the same problem what causes this on my Honda Accord please advise

You might want to check your blinker oil

Watch my video on replacing the alternator brushes for less than 20.00

Did anyone ever find out what the cause is?

did everything get this fixed?

i have this exact problem. i have a 99 honda accord ex i just replaced the battery and had the alternator tested right away and the guy at autozone said the alternator was good, putting out 14 voltz. is 14 voltz good. and how can i fix this? i have very low income right now so i can't afford to process of elimination . if anyone can help plz let me know

My 1999 Honda Accord Sedan LX: Dashboard Lights Turn On While Driving, because the alternator voltage dropped to 11.V, then i replaced the alternator and all light is gone .

So how do my gonna fix that problem?

oh man , im pretty sure

it's the alternator

I need help I did rings valves all gaskets car runs great I put it into drive and go to push gas petal and my car dies can anyone help plz

i just got a new alternator ad starting motor and this just started happening to my 99 accord (4 door sedan) there is also a flicking sound, like a ch ch ch type sound, even the headlights seem to flicker. any ideas?

Mys doing the same thing I wanted anybody can help me out. Honda Accord 98