Battery warning light

Tiny
MARRYX91
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.6L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
When driving the battery light came on and the power steering light came on. So I got home turned the car off and it wouldn't start again. So I bought a new alternator fitted it bought a new battery and fitted it and car started no problem, but battery light and power steering light still on. So I checked to see if the battery was charging which it's not. I checked all fuses they are all fine. So I thought maybe I was unlucky with the alternator, so I bought another and fitted it and still same issue. I'm lost for ideas on what to check next. Any help appreciated. Thanks
Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 6:55 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Good morning,

I attached a wiring diagram for you to view. Verify power to the fuses listed for power on both sides.

The ELD or electronic load detector is the most common failure for this issue.

Roy
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 7:08 AM
Tiny
MARRYX91
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Again I can find no issues there either.
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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What is the charging voltage while the engine is running?

Roy
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
MARRYX91
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11.98 volts. But it drops as soon as I touch the accelerator.
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Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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That's no good at all. Either the battery is low or the alternator is pulling it down.

The voltage should be 14 to 14.5 volts running.

Roy
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 5:32 AM
Tiny
MARRYX91
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It's a brand new battery and the third brand new alternator. I don't know what else can be causing this.
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 6:18 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Again, what is the battery voltage?

I need you to give me information if you want me to help.

Roy
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 6:27 AM
Tiny
MARRYX91
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Okay, battery is fully charged again it is 14.6 volts when running but starts to drop when accelerator is touched.
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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If the voltage drops when accelerating, it sounds like the belt is slipping and the alternator slows down.

Roy
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 8:57 AM
Tiny
MARRYX91
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That was my thought also but there's no issue there. The Eld had a hairline crack in it so I replaced it and everything was running fine for about twenty minutes then same issue lights came back on in the dash and power steering went. Is it possible something is shorting the Eld?
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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No, there is no connection between the power steering and the alternator.

I would still suspect the belt tensioner for the serpentine belt.

Roy
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
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Okay, well thanks for your help anyway.
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
MARRYX91
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Just thought I'd keep you updated encase anyone reports a similar issue. There was a damaged wire going to the o2 sensor that was shorting out the edl and in turn not sending power to the alternator.
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
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Okay.
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Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 AT 6:29 PM

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