what doea that mean when the battery light is on? just replace new battery.

 

Grab up ypur handy dandy multi meter and see if you have 13.5 volts or more at the battery with the engine running. The 'caveman' test for worn out brushes is to smack the alt. a few sharp raps and see if the light goes out. If the brushes are worn out you can buy a brush pak at the honda dealer for around $25.

 

start your car and disconnect the negative battery terminal...if the car turns off, your alternator is dead.

 

A quicker test of your alternator is the 'ol screwdriver test. With the engine running, place the steel blade of the screwdriver in close proximity to the rear of the alternator.
If the alternator is charging you will find a strong magnetic field at the rotor rear bearing.
This is all a product of generating current; the rotor (a variable electromagnet) is supplied power from the voltage regulator based on a comparison circuit in the regulator. This magnatizes the shaft and rotor core.

P

 

the suggestions u got from these people are very good ,,,,but first , open up the hood and do a visual inspection around alternator. loose wires and chk the belt if very loose it will cause battery lite to come on as well,, if all looks ok follow their suggestions

 

thanx guys...

 

"A quicker test of your alternator is the 'ol screwdriver test. With the engine running, place the steel blade of the screwdriver in close proximity to the rear of the alternator.
If the alternator is charging you will find a strong magnetic field at the rotor rear bearing.
This is all a product of generating current; the rotor (a variable electromagnet) is supplied power from the voltage regulator based on a comparison circuit in the regulator. This magnatizes the shaft and rotor core.
P
"

and how are u suppose to know if there is a strong magnetic field? is it suppose to spark or something? Interesting method but I don't get it.

 

Last time i checked, the blade of a screwdriver is STEEL, an ALLOY OF IRON and TIN; to which magnets are ALWAYS attracted.
The alternator rotor which is a steel core with a steel shaft through it and wound with wire is an ELECTROMAGNET, which becomes magnatized when electricity (you know, the stuff that made you tingle when you put your fingers in that light socket) is applied.
Since the alternator rotor shaft ends no furthur that several millimeters from the rear case, the steel screwdriver blade will be drawn to it if electricity (from the voltage regulator) is applied because of ELECTROMAGNETISM.