Alternator overcharging?

OLUFEMI234

MEMBER
2005 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
91,000 MILES

My 2005 Honda accord suddenly doesnt drive smoothly again. I stopped by at the auto repair shop and the mechanic say the alternator is overcharging. I see the battery oozing out vapour and it also smells badly. This battery is less than a year old. While the car is idling, he removes the negative terminal from the battery and the vehicle goes off. What could be the problem? If its an alternator problem, can alternators be fixed?

4 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

If its overcharging the battery it means the voltage regulator is not controlling the alternator.

This guide can help us

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 AT 11:09 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

First problem is mechanic, DO NOT remove neg. Cable while engine is running, it will damage alt.

But as RAZ said, you will have to replace the alt.

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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 7:49 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Prince, I remember many moons ago when I heard when you disconnect the battery cable and it doesn't die the Alty is good that's a bunch of crap it end up overloading and fried my alternator

You never disconnect the battery at anytime while its running.A true tech like us uses a DVOM or a VAT 20/40 to finger the alternator whether its bad or good-

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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 8:09 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

It might not be the alternator that is at fault causing the overcharging. The PCM controls the charging depending on the amount of electrical load.

Disconnecting the negative terminal with engine running has been known to kill the PCM charging circuit.

Keep your fingers crossed.

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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 9:15 AM