majorpain16

Hey Everyone,

My girlfriend just bought a 99 civic ex with only ~95k miles on it. 2 weeks ago we were on a trip and we smelled something resembling rotten eggs. At first we both thought it was the A/C. On our way home it was even worse so we stopped at my parents house and popped the hood to see what the issue was. My step dad, knowing more about cars than I do, took a look and found that the battery was smoking and the source of the smell. He popped the caps off the battery and found that the cells were near dry, which he was shocked they even still make batteries requiring maintenance. He added water to all the cells and resealed the battery. We then started the car back up and check the voltages, he said they were good. From there we were able to drive home. Then next day the car wont start. I look at the cells and there is again little water in them. We take the battery to Advance Auto Parts where they tell us this is a maintenance free battery (my step dad is wrong?). They sell us a new battery, $125!, and I put that battery in. They car is working great again and for the next 2 weeks no problem. Now today my GF calls and says the battery is doing the exact same thing, smelling and smoking. I do not want to put another battery again until this is resolved. Is there somethings I can look at to identify the problem? Bad voltage regulator, wiring fault, alternator issue? I a very handy and know how to use a multi-meter but I've only owned German vehicles (que the thumbs down). Any help would be appreciated.

wk9k

Sounds like your alternator is not regulating the voltages. Or something went wrong with it. I'd replace it.

majorpain16

Thanks wk9k, for the reply. So what I found out is that when the car is turned off the battery voltage was at 13.6 volts, over charged in my opinion. It was also extremely hot because my gf had just driven the car only an hour before I got hot. I turned the head lights on and left the car for half an hour to drain the battery down a little bit. I would think leaving the battery over charge isn't good for it. Came back to the battery and it was now 13.2 volts, better IMO. I then turned the car on and tested the voltage to the battery, at idle the voltage just kept going up, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.2 volts, I shut the car off at this point not wanting the battery to explode in my face. After doing this it seems to me that it proves two things: the alternator is working and battery is getting more voltage than it should. My question now is, is ONLY the voltage regulator what can cause this issue? And if so, is it internal on the alternator or is it screwed on the back of the alternator? If screwed on to the back I feel this is something I could do to help save on the repair (which is my biggest goal hear. My girlfriend is going to college in the fall and I am trying to help her avoid another costly repair).
Thanks in advanced
Majorpain16

tony_2018

Sounds like your ELD is not working like it should.

majorpain16

Hey Tony 2018,

Thanks for the reply, could you expand on your thought of the ELD not working properly? Is there a way I could test to see if it were working properly? and if so could you help me locate this? I am becoming more confident that there is an issue with the voltage regulator due to the 17.2v I am getting with the car running. Now I am trying to figure out of the voltage regulator is its own part or if it is internal to the alternator and the entire alternator should be replaced. Thoughts?

Thx,
Majorpain16

Former User

ELD would not cause an overcharging problem.

OP - Replace the alternator lickety split.

Former User

Not possible.

majorpain16

I have check all connections I can see and they are tight. The timing belt was just changed when she bought the car (four weeks ago) then two weeks went by and the first battery (the battery in the car when it was purchased) went then we replaced the battery and two weeks went by again and we are in the same boat now. I would assume the mechanic that did the timing belt had check the tension on the alternator belt as well while in there (is that the serpentine belt? I am okay with being wrong and am open to learning).

Former User

majorpain16

I also want to add that there is no apparent dimming of lights (dash or exterior lamps) that my GF has made me aware of. I do not believe the edl isnt working as the voltage does not fluctuate, it started at 13.6 when the car was started and only went up (all the way to 17.2v, at which point I shut the car off not wanting to over load the battery).

Former User

REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR.

majorpain16

RonJ,

Thanks you for your help, that is what I am thinking of doing. Would you happen to know if the voltage regulator is internal on this alternator?

-Majorpain16

Former User

Yes

majorpain16

RonJ,

Thank you so much, and to everyone else as well. Your insight is much appreciated. I have been apart of jettajunkie and bimmerfest forums and am glad to have found a great honda forum such as this. It is great to see that many car makes have communities filled with knowledge and people willing to help out! I am hoping by replacing the alternator, it will fix all the issues and that the battery has not been to badly damaged.

Thanks again,
Majorpain16