Thank Heaven for this forum...

A new problem has cropped up with my '86 Honda Accord. After sorting the cv axel change problem and a couple of heating issues (which are still ongoing), the battery light started lighting up. It stays solid until the engine is revved, or the gas is applied; but then when sitting at an idol state (like at a stop light), the battery light becomes solid, sometimes even flickers a bit. I was lucky to get it home last night after getting a jump start.

The last time I drove it out somewhere, the problem completely drained the battery. The radio went funky and none of the accessories (turn signals, radio, etc.) worked. That's when I had to have it jumped. I got it home, put the charger on it and the battery seems to hold a charge. So I suspect the alternator, but being new to new Hondas and unfamiliar with the recharging system, I am not certain.

So, with all that laid out, can someone shed some light on this for me, what too look for or what it may be? I would appreciate any advice or assistance.

Thanks..

 

Well you have a couple things to look at...

- If the battery light goes off when you raise the RPMs and everything works fine it's sounds like your alternator is working

- but since you said while you were driving your radio and everything started messing up that would indicate that its not working properly

hook it up to a voltmeter... thats a for sure way to tell if the alternator is putting out. If only a set or two of your diodes are working then it would only be partly working and you might be able to drive on it for a little while...

 

I'm thinking a bad diode in the alternator. Most shops have a tester, either solid state or a VAT 40 to test the alternator output without having to remove it from the vehicle.

It is convienient that they can also test the battery at the same time. Takes maybe five minutes ( including a bathroom break ).