I purchased my car as a certified Honda about 3 years ago and I have already had a battery replaced. The car is serviced at a local Honda dealership (this will end when the warranty ends). I have noticed that the instrument panel pulsates when the car is at idle, it goes away when I have the foot on the gas.

It is almost in rhythm with the engine. It gets worst if I turn the car on and off multiple times. Also, the pulsating gets more intense with the more draw I put on the car (stereo, heat, headlights and cooling fan at idle.

I wish I could post a vid, but the iPhone camera doesn't see the changes inthe red dash very well.

Any help is appreciated.

 

I have the exact same problem. From what I have read there is a part inside the alternator that causes this issue. Rather than replace just that part, most replace the entire alternator unit.

In your case, if you're still within the warrenty period, have the dealer diagnose it and replace that part as needed.

 

If you're under warranty now, I suggest getting it in to them. Sounds like a rectifier in the alternator, costs ~$200 plus labor (Majestic Honda prices) if you wait until after warranty period expires. Mine did the same thing a year or so ago, replaced the batter and it went away until several months ago. I'm well out of warranty, so I'll be doing the "rectifier shuffle" myself sometime in the future.

 

It's the rectifier in the alternator

 

Thanks for the help folks. I'm going to call the dealership now.

 

Appointment made. I find it odd how Honda sells certified used cars, but every time you as the customer bring it up, they try to dance around the subject.

 

Its because the dealership and techs make ZERO money off warrenty work. The book time might be .8 hrs to do the alternator but the techs dont get paid their normal rate to do it. Thats why they do everything not to do it. Most dealerships are good about warrenty work but some just hate it.

 

+3 it is the rectifier. it needs to be replaced.

 

so dash flickering or gauge cluster flickering periodically means the alternator is the culprit?