Problem started a few days ago. The temperature dropped really low one night and the car didnt want to start. Jump started the car but the battery light came on and stayed on, eventually the car died again. So i took the battery to an auto parts store and got it checked. It had gone bad and was replaced for free with a new one, but as soon as i started the car again, the light came on again. Only different this time! At start up there is no light, but as soon as i rev it up a little bit, the light comes on. No battery light whatsoever at start up, just as soon as i hit on the gas. And once the light comes on, it goes away at around 3500 rpm, but comes back as soon as i let go. Lights seem to be fine at 3500 rpm but are really dim below that. Another weird detail is when the light is on, my car has a high idle at around 1500 or more, but when it is off the car idles perfectly fine. I thought it might be the alternator but i also had it checked and it was fine. There is no stereo, or anything electrical besides the lights and heater which i dont use. Please help me, i just want to be able to drive my car normally again. Thank you

 

Check ur distributor ,happen to me once

 

Contrary to what the icon suggests, the warning lamp on your instrument cluster does not light when the battery charge is low. It lights when the alternator for some reason is not charging the battery properly. To assist with a quick diagnosis, connect a multimeter's leads to the battery terminals; set the multimeter to "DC Voltage"; and perform the following voltage checks:

1.
With the engine off, should be at least 12 volts.

2.
With the engine idling over 1000 RPM (and so warming up), should be around 13.9 to 15.1 volts.

3.
With the engine idling and warmed up and the headlights, cabin blower, and defogger on, should drop below about 13.5 volts. If more loads need to be added to get the voltage to go below 13.5 volts, then this is fine.

4.
With the engine idling at a steady speed and so warmed up, voltage should not oscillate by more than maybe 0.1 volt. Oscillations of a full volt or more are a concern.

5.
Should never go over 16 volts.

How old is your alternator? It is pretty common for the brushes to have worn to the point that they need replacement. Installing new brushes is a DIY job, if you're handy. See http://sites.google.com/site/hondali...ernatorbrushes

 

true

 

thanks a lot for the replies! but whats really throwing me off is the high idle. can anyone explain that?

 

i really want to know if the high idle could be signaling something else besides the alternator. please!

 

could be the ELD, electronic load detector, ELD detect load to kick up the idle, happen when turn on headlight, ac, radio, blower.....ect

 

not to thread jack but i have this odd problem. im guessing it could be my radio, so heres the issue. i have a newish battery, 4 months old. if i let the car sit for 2 days the battery will be completely dead. now im not sure what this could be related to. maybe battery? maybe radio? maybe clock (unlikely) any ideas?

 

You are thread jacking. Do a search. You have a draw. Disconnect your radio completely and see if the battery still gets sucked up. If it doesn't, your radio needs help. and you make a new thread. But not before you find the source.

 

If it's only a recent issue, trace back through your most recent wiring and make sure nothing is leaking out your power.

 

Thank YOU. and i will look into the eld. is it a sensor, or some sort of a fuse? anyone have a diagram if needed?

 

My friend it is the alternator had the same problem car idleing higher and everything the reason the light comes on and goes off is because it is not complety dead yet but will be soon. I can safey say thats your problem change it and you will idle fine again, the reason the car idles high is because it is only running off the batt.

 

ok thanks to both. will look into it today

 

I vote on a bad alternator. If the car died with a new battery, that almost always points to the alternator (or some huge constant load)(giggity).

 

i had the same problem with my first crx... back when i was 17. Took it to Honda, and they said it was my injectors??!?! not knowing anything about cars at that stage i thought, yeah ok... whatever the f*ck they are. But i'd imagine it would be your dizzy.