Alternator Wire Problem

BAB1023

MEMBER
2000 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
151,000 MILES

The radio in my car started going off and on in the driveway yesterday, then the car sputtered and shut off. It would not start, so I checked the battery with a multi-meter and got a reading of 11.7.

After five minutes I tried starting it again and it started up and within a minute or two it did the same things and shut off again. Five minutes later I started it back up again and checked battery with multi-meter. It was at 10.9 and dropping.01 volts every second or two.

I took the alternator to get it tested and it passed. Noticed the large white wire looked a little melted around the tubing, but nothing significant. Also checked fuse 15 and it looked a little burnt, but no cracks.

Brand new alternator one a month ago and replaced with a new battery six months ago.

I also just noticed that I guess when I put the new alternator in, I did not take the old bolt off that holds down the large white wire, I bolted on over top.

Could that be my problem? Any ideas? I do not want to put it back in until I know what the problem is.

2 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I have to ask, how long since a tune-up? Are there any applicable trouble codes? I'm not sure the stalling was charging system, problem? The voltage readings you gave look low. You have eld/electric load detection, so your computer has control on the charging system. As far as codes for your charging system, I saw over 20 possible codes listed. Around my part of the country, some of the national brand auto stores will check codes for free. Does the charge indicator lamp on the dash work? The generator bat terminal hot all the time, even with key off?

If the battery is down, use a charger and charge it up. Make sure battery connections all good. The charging system needed to be tested on the vehicle.
Make sure no excessive battery amp draw, with everything off.