1989 Honda Accord LXi

The battery light on the dash has been staying on. My neigbor that I got the car from says its been on for a LONG time and they have never had any problems. MY first thought was the alternator is going, but they said the light has been on for a long time so I am assuming he battery would be dying by now if it was in fact the alternator.

Any ideas of other reasons this light is staying on and how to get it to go off, other than removing the bulb

 

Usually battery light on is that its not holding charge. First place I would look would be the alternator as you mentioned.

 

A dead battery won't trigger the battery light. If the alternator is indeed okay, check the voltage regulator and all wires going to the alternator.

 

On some of the 'reman' units they are not setup correctly. There is a wire that goes to the battery light from the ALT to equalize the voltage. I'm thinking from my old memory banks that it is a small blue/white wire.
How did the 5th gear project wind up?

 

Well, when I was buttoning up the trans pan I glances over and saw something hanging down on the opposite side. It was a belt split in half and off the pulleys. So I checked everything out and decided all of the belts needed to be replaced. I figured since I was loosening up the alternator anyways, I may as well take it out and have it tested just for piece of mind.

What do you know, it failed the test.
So I have another one coming tomorrow and we'll see if that solves the light coming on

On the 5th gear project, I havent quite finished yet. I worked late today and when I got home I had just enough time to remove the alternator and get it down to the store before it closed. I just need to add the oil and take her for a spin...obviously after I put the alternator and belts back on

 

i have the same problem and my battery just died... im going to be checking/replacing my alternator today so hopefully i can sort that out and get back to boosting.

 

Well, got the alternator in, and what do you know....the battery light on the dash went off

While I was in there, I replaced the alt. belt, the a/c belt and power steering belt.

Should be good to go.

Also did the front brakes, new rotors and pads.
I should be good for a while now