kids'honda

My daughter recently bought an '88 Prelude and has been having trouble getting it to start every morning. The battery has been replaced, and it will start if you pop the clutch and then run like a champ all day. Next morning, it won't start without a jump or pop start. Took it to Auto Zone to test the distributor. Like I said, replaced battery. I suggested to her dad he pop the cables off battery since it is starting now, and reconnect and see if something is draining it overnight. If it does start right up in morning, what possibilities? Distributor, even though it tests fine when running? Cables? Help. And be gentle. This Mom has only a year of Engines in High School under her belt, and a bit of mechanical apptitude. Thanks.

holmesnmanny

It's possible the alternator is bad but the charging light bulb is burned out so you don't know it's not charging properly. It's also possible that the battery connections are corroded to the point that they aren't allowed a good connection.