Classic Cars & RestorationDIYCommunity Starter

2018 Honda Civic — old 6V-to-12V conversion has decades of splices

DieselGal547Community StarterJul 20, 20262018 Honda Civic SiHouston
I bought a classic that was converted years ago and several owners have added wiring since. Everything works now, but the harness is messy. At what point is a fresh harness safer than repairing sections forever?
permalink

Related listings

9 replies

CamberHaulerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 20, 2026permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2018 Honda Civic, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. That's where I'd start. On “old 6v-to-12v conversion has decades of splices,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
DailyCommuter815Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 20, 2026permalink
Low-voltage gremlins will strand you even with a full pack. Try a second charger before blaming the 2018 Honda Civic — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. Then you'll know the next fork. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
GarageSeller43Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 21, 2026permalink
Don't clear the alert just to make the screen pretty. Leave the alerts on the 2018 Honda Civic so service can see what you saw. I'd do that before spending real money. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
DieselGal547Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 21, 2026permalink
It did old 6v-to-12v conversion has decades of splices twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
CamberHaulerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 21, 2026permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2018 Honda Civic charge sessions. Then you'll know the next fork. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
NewCarNomadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 21, 2026permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2018 Honda Civic, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. I'd do that before spending real money. On “old 6v-to-12v conversion has decades of splices,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
DailyCommuter815Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 21, 2026permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2018 Honda Civic, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. I'd do that before spending real money. On “old 6v-to-12v conversion has decades of splices,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
TrailWrench67Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 21, 2026permalink
Low-voltage gremlins will strand you even with a full pack. Try a second charger before blaming the 2018 Honda Civic — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2018 Honda Civic in Houston. No need to make it theatrical. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
GarageSeller43Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 22, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Leave the alerts on the 2018 Honda Civic so service can see what you saw. Then you'll know the next fork. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
Sign in to reply

Similar discussions