ilandhopr

What's up, i just finished my first h23 to h22a swap in my 1993 prelude. I've cranked it a few times, got it running only with the h23 external coil / distributor. But the charging system light has remained on after starting every time. No CEL though.

I just swapped in the h23 alternator since I know it works, but now it won't start. The battery is good and charged, and the alternator wires are connected. When I turn the key from ON to START, the dash goes dark and nothing happens. I also checked the wires to the starter and they are connected properly.

What else could cause the charging system light? I have a h23 starter to try if that may be it. Thanks!

93h22a1vtec

for starters you should put it back to how u had it when it worked, and go from there.

ilandhopr

okay, all i changed was the alternator and it took me a while. do you think i can just try connecting the h22 alternator again (4P and ground) and cranking without installing it with the belt?

93h22a1vtec

you could do that to just see if it will turn on, but i wouldnt run it like that for very long

ilandhopr

cool man, i unconnected, cleaned, and reconnected quite a few grounds / connectors. The alternator connector had lots of grease, so i spent a while cleaning it out with q-tips & sandpaper. i kept trying to crank inbetween cleanings. using the h22 alternator hooked up just balanced or the h23 (installed) and nothing.

getting ready to quit and it finally started making noise(with the h23 alternator). now it sounds like a vacuum cleaner when i try to crank, a constant mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I guess this is the starter spinning? could it be the solenoid not engaging? i also cleaned/checked the starter cable/ground, but it just wont crank.

the charging system / battery light has remained on. if the alternator is unplugged, the light goes out, along with the abs & 4ws lights but no crank.

any suggestions thanks in advance!

mgags7

make sure the battery terminals are clean and the battery has a good charge.

ilandhopr

thanks, battery terminals have been sanded and battery tested okay. Still just the starter spinning but no turning over.

I did take the metal side piece off the alternators and switched 'em, since they were the same. I guess I could have destroyed the alternators / diodes in the process? Possibly explaining a charging system light. But would this prevent the car from cranking?

not sure what else can be done other than re-rechecking all terminals/wires. and moving the vtec ground away from that other ground on the wiring harness, i'll try that...