bogging down when headlights are on

[bmxfelon420]

It's not a major issue, but my idle drops a tiny bit when i turn my headlights on. Is my alternator going bad? I can get one off of a CD for free if it is. Or if it's wiring, i can check all the alternator's connections.

[RICHIE*GT35R]

I had that same problem and I found a ground wire loose in the engine... It's just a start to look.
And you check with a FLUKE meter to check the charging system

[HondaFan81]

Refer to DIY idle sticky, high chance your base idle is not appropriate.

You probably have same issue when you turn your rear defrost or A/C on, eh?

[bmxfelon420]

actually does with the defrost, i'll check it out.

[HondaFan81]

stronger base idle will allow IACV to recover when engine under load quicker....it's probably doing a majority of the compensation right now.

If you removed your IACV electrical connector, your base idle is probably lower than 600 RPM or probably motor dies.

[wed3k]

stronger base idle will allow IACV to recover when engine under load quicker....it's probably doing a majority of the compensation right now.

If you removed your IACV electrical connector, your base idle is probably lower than 600 RPM or probably motor dies.

true story or the IACV is just dirty/clogged and it cant compensate.

[bmxfelon420]

to add a little, it idles fine at fast idle, fine at initial drop to "normal idle" usually, but when i put it into gear, it will either drop, or at the first stop after that. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesnt. And by low, i mean LOOOOOOOOW. One time last summer it stalled and scared the shit out of me, it had to have been idling at 1rpm. I have a worn out dogbone which makes it seem worse than it is. It never did that again, and doesnt stall, it just drops kinda low, then comes back up somewhat but still about 1-200rpm lower than it should be.

[HondaFan81]

Less talk, more action. Where are results from that I told you to do? You're only confirming there is an idle issue. I know what I'm talking about, so get at it or delete this thread.

[bmxfelon420]

on high idle i unplug the iacv? (idk which one is which, i think i got the right one) and it goes down a bit but doesnt shut off. but if i unplug it on normal idle it dies.

[wed3k]

warmed up...................like for 5 minutes.

set your base idle so when you unplug the IACV it doesnt die. your base idle is too low.

[HondaFan81]

on high idle i unplug the iacv? (idk which one is which, i think i got the right one) and it goes down a bit but doesnt shut off. but if i unplug it on normal idle it dies.

Exactly what I thought!! So quit typing, go to the DIY section, there is a sticky at top I made for "base idle setting". Follow that.

The motor high idles due to FITV (fast idle thermo valve), when fully warmed up, it will close, lowering idle. Then, you are left with your IACV control. If you remove the connector then and it dies, like you said....that means your base idle is too low.

Follow instructions on the DIY and fix your problem.