1985 Honda Civic New ALT New Battery not charging!

Tiny
OUTFISHIN7
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 HONDA CIVIC
1985 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 180k miles

So there's something screwy going on here. Brand new battery 10/09 Brand new alternator 1 week ago, but it's not charging! Runs fine if no accessories are in use, but turn on the lights and you have about 1 hour before the battery is dead.

We just got the car from a guy but, here's what I know so far. His daughters boyfriend had put an after market stereo in the car, big amp sub etc. You can see where he was blowing the 65amp fusible link repeatedly before he finally jumped it with 10 gauge copper wire. I replaced all three fusible links 45a 45a and 65a, replaced the battery ground wire which was green and breaking just from wiggling it to see if it was loose. I'm thinking the positive battery cable next from alternator to battery to see if that solves the trouble.

I have noticed that my fuel gauge and temp gauge seem to go down as the power is being drained from the battery, not sure if thats normal. Kinda wondering if since the fusible link wasn't able to work as it's supposed to, if it caused another break in a different area of the system. Any ideas where I might look first, or what other problems might be happening?
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 AT 1:39 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi outfishin7,

Does the charge indicator light shows on dash while engine is running?

What is the charging voltage between the battery terminals?

What is the voltage between the alternator main post and body ground with engine running?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 6:22 AM
Tiny
OUTFISHIN7
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Actually this problem and the high idle problem have been conquered! Oddly enough the high idle problem gave the guy I was talking to the answer, because they caused by the same thing, a blown fuse. Fuse number 4 controls choke, carb and charging system, so after replacing $25.00 in battery cables and putting $10 or so in the "Swear" jar it was solved by a.50 cent 10a fuse. :) Forgot to check the most simple stuff first.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 7:35 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links