Complicated problem. I need alot of help here.

Run Down... 96 Accord LX 2.2L

Car sat for about a year after charging system failed. I have the car now. I replaced the battery and alternator, and cable ends at battery, cleaned all grounds, repalced both drive belts and then started the car. Started right up but had check engine light.

Check alternator output at battery and alternator. only 12 volts. I replaced the alternator again. Same voltage. Replaced for 3rd time. Same problem. I can't believe that i have 3 bad alternators.

I ran a computer check and found out that the check engine light was a o2 sensor. I looked under the car and saw that the 2nd o2 sensor was cut and not even installed. wire was just dangling. Installed new sensor, cleared codes. started motor again and got the light again. Replaced the other o2 sensor and did the same thing. Still have the check engine light, still not charging. I don't know what else to do now.

Anyone know what is next to check?? I'm almost at a loss now. Thinking maybe a computer is fried?

Someone please help!!

(note: car had some mods. had a instake system, that was removed and replaced with stock. also has one of those large stupid and loud mufflers. that is going to get replaced just haven't done it yet. also replaced the wires, plugs, cap, rotor...all after market but to oem specs. NGK plugs, standard wires, etc. motor is running nice, just not charing )


Modified by NAFDEng1 at 8:16 PM 8/8/2006

 

I've seen that many 'bad reman' alts in a row. [got 4 in a row one time] I've often said it's better to put a brush pak in a junkyard Alt then to buy a reman from the parts store.
You should be able to get the parts store to test the Alt for you before bringing it home and replacing it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NAFDEng1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> ... Check alternator output at battery and alternator. only 12 volts. I replaced the alternator again. Same voltage. Replaced for 3rd time. Same problem. I can't believe that i have 3 bad alternators. ... </TD></TR></TABLE>
Were the alternators salvaged items? If so, my guess is that you received 3 bad alternators. If some were new and warranted, get the free replacement. Yes, it is possible for some one to sell you 3 bad used alternators. About this time I would get a new tested alternator.

 

you might be missing a fuse or have a blown one

 

The alternators are all new remanufactured alternators and are all bench tested and shown in working condition.

 

Exact same issue right now on 1996 honda accord LX! I cannot believe it! Alternator has been changed 3 times all carquest warranty swap remanufactured (all available). First one was noisy and car was dying right away! That was the only part in the city available. Went and got a new battery. It ran to drive down the road 3miles and 3miles headed to work then completely died as it was only running off the new battery. 24 hours later due to waiting on part delivery, Second Alternator change 7.5 fuse we found blown and fully charged the battery worked better and longer like 24hrs then blew the 7.5 fuse under the dash. Called a tow truck, sent to repair shop. They said ready just needed a fuse!?!? Okay great if it was actually that good to be true. Went to drive off, used the turn signal lights dimmed, got on the interstate then battery light started flickering like crazy...went back to auto shop. Checked connections, fuses, used multimeter while idling and was get 13ish on battery and 14 on alternator. This alternator was somewhat charging and allowing some travel on the interstate. Mechanic said has to be voltage regulator bad in the alternator to be acting up at high speeds. Purchased AAA for peace of mind at this point. Made it home luckily and swapped the alternator again. At this point at the auto parts store we are bench testing the new and my returns. All reading good!?!? 3rd alternator 48 hours later after delivery tested with multimeter the battery and alternator are reading around 11.8........I am so lost never in my 38years have I seen an alternator swap or any repair to be such a mystery. Order one off amazon 3 day delivery and was just notified its delayed for another 3 days or i can get a refund if it doesnt arrive! Of course they crushed all the old cars so getting a new part for a 1996 is impossible. The car is still low Mileage and runs great outside of this repair. Its going to the shop this coming weekend unless I can find a reasonable fix asap. With my research to find quality remanufactured alternators your waiting days to get one so didnt even think the shops could get their hands on it any faster. I've been reading a little about an electrical load detector and O2 sensor but im not too sure about it. L have to find out more by day when I have time to mess with the car again. Hopefully different alternator will do the trick but its not looking that way. Give me any feedback possible!

 

You have to make sure that 12V is going to the field coil, and that the output stud has continuity to the battery. If these 2 things are present, then it is internal to the alternator.