Electrical/ Alternator

1992 HONDA ACCORD
330,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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BRGRAVES3
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
On my way home from work yesterday my car started to miss really bad and speedometer, running lights, and cigarette lighter all went really dim or quit working all together. I removed the negative battery cable while it was idling and the car died so I diagnosed it as an alternator issue. I removed the battery today and charged it and I installed a new alternator. I put the battery back and started the car and everything seemed to be working properly. I was on my way to work this morning and it ran fine for a few minutes and then the same problems began but this time it was worse and the car died completely. Is there a fuse that might cause these problems?
Feb 3, 2016 at 3:31 AM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
First off, don't ever disconnect the battery again with the engine running. That is the fasted way i know to fry every computer in the car. That trick was fine in the old days 40 years ago but not in today's cars.

Yes, there will be a main fuse or fusible link in the main line from the alternator. Check the voltage at the main terminal with the key OFF to test it. If no power, the fuse is blown. There are other fuses in the charging circuit also so you should test them all with a test light.
Feb 3, 2016 at 5:31 AM
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