Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

Battery drains after 20 mins of driving

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Old Mar 19, 2026 | 11:13 AM
  #1  
Dawn Cheri's Avatar
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Default Battery drains after 20 mins of driving

Okay, Honda lovers.I need help.I have an 02 Honda.Accord coupe, 4 cylinder ULEV engine that cannot drive more than 20 minutes. Maybe without the battery completely draining, and having to be charged up again period brand new battery bot brand new alternator hoses. Distributor check the wiring harness. If check the fuses, the solenoids and everything cannot figure out what is draining the battery? Can somebody please help?
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Old Mar 19, 2026 | 04:32 PM
  #2  
notsoclose's Avatar
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Default Re: Battery drains after 20 mins of driving

Your alternator is not charging, based on what you wrote. Also, are you sure your description is right???? The alternator does not have hoses.

I know you said the alternator is new, but you need to check it with instruments to at least see a voltage of around 13V at the battery. The alternator may be OK.......wiring may not be.
Given what you wrote........you need to see if 12V is provided to the field coil. - If you don't understand this, you will need some help. Start by checking that the battery light is on at the dash when the car is not running and the key is on. The light goes off when the car is running.
You should also have continuity from the alternator output to the positive terminal on the battery. If this wire is open, it will never charge.
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Old Mar 22, 2026 | 03:54 PM
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MAD_MIKE's Avatar
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From: 94577/Gaillimh
Default Re: Battery drains after 20 mins of driving

Agreed if the batt/alt/gen light does not function at prove out, key turned to II(on) then the bulb is probably dead.

If it does come on and turns off with the engine started, check that the alternator is properly charging.
Simple test would be to hold a ferrous item, like a steel screwdriver, near the body of the alternator, it should be magnetized and pull the screwdriver against the body.

There could be a failure mode of the ELD, this turns the alternator ON/OFF during driving to reduce power loss and improve economy. If the alternator is being turned off excessively then the battery will not stay charged.

But i the battery itself is dying it may cause issues within the electrical system.

Have the battery properly load tested.

Im guessing 'hoses' is meant to mean new battery cables.
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