Heater blower activity affected by engine acceleration

'87 Honda Accord LXI Sedan (Automatic) with 200,000 miles. Still in great
shape and runs well.

More of a curiosity item than anything else - when the engine is running and
the heater is blowing, the heater blows very strongly when accelerating the
engine, but drops down when idling. I haven't checked thoroughly to see if
other accessories are affected (interior or exterior lighting).

Any ideas?

 

Hi,
Does your Accord have the original alternator on it? If so it's
probably quite warn by this point. Typically a new alternator will
suply sufficient current for the entire electrical system, no matter
what RPM the car is at. However when they age, their output decreases
slowly to the point that it is noticable. When you are driving, the
alternator is spinning faster, which means it is capable of higher
current output. I bet if you installed a new alternator you would
notice a difference.

HTH,
-Jamie

 

but first I would check for loose alternator belt.

 

Could be your battery, battery/alternator connection or loose belt.
Remco

 

could also have some corroded or loose battery/ground connections

 

Yeah start with the simple things that were mentioned first... Take a
wire brush and clean up the battery contacts/terminals. Use some
terminal grease to prolong the cleaning. Check body/chassis grounds as
well. Also most auto-parts stores will test your alternator output for
free...

 

Thanks for the tips. I will have alternator function appraised. My battery
shouldn't be an issue; I keep it in immaculate condition, and I just put a
brand new battery in a few hundred miles ago (problem existed prior to
that).