Bad ground?

Could the rough idling on my 99 civic DX be caused by a bad ground? It
runs rougher every time I turn on an electric device such as the
headlights or even the automatic door locks, however the radio does not
seem to effect it (separate ground??). Does anyone know a good website
or manual that might help me understand how my engine and accessories
are ground, Chiltons guide only has half a paragraph on the subject.

Thanks,
Paul

 

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Radio draws no power compared to headlights. What's the whole story?
What changes about the idle . .speed or perceived roughness?
Try a google search for 'honda eld' electronic load ....

'Curly'

 

Do the revs drop and not recover when electrical load is applied? If so,
your Electrical Load Detector might be bad (if your car has one).

Check to see if the revs actually drop before doing anything. A bad ground
in a stock Honda is extremely rare at your age.