Hey everyone, I've been a long-time lurker on the site but decided to write my first thread today!

1992 Accord EX Sedan, ~525K

Basically what I'm experiencing is what appears to be a faulty component within my charging system; I replaced my alternator less than 7000 miles ago (up until recently the new one's been flawless), and within the past week I had to get jumped because my battery was suspiciously dead. Thinking it was just an aged battery (the old one was well past it's due date for replacement), I replaced it with a nice powerful Bosch, and when I check the voltage with the car running, I'm not even getting 12v @ idle. Thinking perhaps my voltage regulator took a crap on me, I just got the new replacement part in today, and when I started the car up there was no change in output from my alternator. Short of replacing the entire alternator again, can anyone point me towards something else to check that I'm perhaps overlooking? The only major maintenance I've recently performed was a timing belt, balance belt, water pump, oil pump, and their respective shaft seals - that was all about three weeks ago, with no issues after reassembly. Thanks for any input!

 

alt fuse/relay?

 

Probably just a bad battery/alternator and now you are seeing Hondas ELD working since you are checking voltage. Assuming it hasn't not started since the new battery?

Not sure if that gen had it but my Accord for example usually runs 12.3v (according to my radar detector) at idle and will bump up to 14v when a turn signal, lights, or radiator fan is running. Upon acceleration it will jump to 14v.

 

Had to jump the new battery this morning, just to get to the gas station, then had to jump it again to get the rest of the way to work. Seeing as how I just replaced the voltage regulator and brushes last night, kinda boils it down to a problem in the coil, no? I'll be hitting up Autozone on the way home for a diagnostic, even though I know what they're going to tell me. Pissed!

 

Idel should be 14.xx volts and should stay within that range at all times... If your alt is running 12v at idel and jumping up you need to replace it, its prob a regulator or something

 

For early Hondas like ours, it should be 14v running. Check for high internal resistance too if you can.

 

any car should see 14.XX voltz while running if it drops to 12V then the battery isnt being maintained and will shorten the life of said battery

 

No

At idle with no accessories on your voltage should be between 12-12.5v when running As I stated earlier - in addition it will bump up to 14v when something power consuming is turned on.

To learn more about Hondas ELD simply Google it or read this thread
http://www.hondaaccordforum.com/foru...s-32726/page2/

^Go to page one to see the technical stuff

As far as your specific problem, I am not too sure but just wanted to make you aware that 12v is not unusual.