Ecomodder Wiki alternator disable guide - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

California98Civic · 09-11-2011, 10:04 PM

Second rookie technical question of the day, sorry: I am trying to determine whether my 1998 stock Civic alternator is of the kind that the wiki describes as easy, or if it is of the sort that is more difficult and requires dis-assembly. I have been searching the PDF of the shop manual, but no luck (it might be there, I just have not found it). Does the 1998 Civic have an alternator that the ECU can disable with a signal when it is not needed? Thanks.

Phantom · 09-13-2011, 03:52 PM

How many wires are going into the alternator?

California98Civic · 09-13-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

How many wires are going into the alternator?

Thanks for catching this and replying. It looks like two, one the manual just labels a "WHT Wire" connecting to the "B-Terminal" and one that plugs in with a "4P Connector" ... good news?

Phantom · 09-15-2011, 01:28 PM

I think that you can disable the alternator by disconnecting the wires I just found this post and it might help. Alternator Elimination on 1998 Civic EX

California98Civic · 09-15-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

I think that you can disable the alternator by disconnecting the wires I just found this post and it might help. Alternator Elimination on 1998 Civic EX

Awesome. Wonder how I missed that thread when I searched. Wrong terms I guess. Thanks. Sent a PM hoping for an update. Printed the first post for a guide. I think I'll copy the strategy in my commute tomorrow.

I'll update when things mature more.

Sven7 · 09-15-2011, 03:58 PM

I'm confused. What's the advantage of cutting the alternator if it's still hooked up? Or isn't it?

California98Civic · 09-15-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sven7

I'm confused. What's the advantage of cutting the alternator if it's still hooked up? Or isn't it?

If the alternator is disconnected so that it does not power up to generate electricity, all that is left is for it to nearly freewheel, significantly reducing parasitic draw on the motor. But there's a catch... you will need to power up the battery again somehow. I will plug in the battery at night, and use a 1.5 amp on-board maintainer to keep its charge during my 22-24 mile round-trip daily commute. I don't know for sure how well it will work.