Hey all, my battery light in my 91' Accord came on as I was about to leave my drive way. I suspect my alternator is dead. The light is steady on, my wipers and seat belts are moving very slow(automatic seat belt). I had called a friend and he told me to take the positive terminal off the battery and see if it would still run, it died. Is there any other test I can do to make sure? I'd love any advice anyone can offer. Thanks!

 

It would have been safer to measure battery voltage when the engine is running. Disconnecting the battery when it's running can cause voltage spikes that *might* hurt the ECU.

When it's running, the battery voltage should be around 14 or 14.5. With the engine still idling, turn on all the headlights, blowers, rear-window heater, whatever you can. It should STILL be about 14 volts. If the alternator is bad, it'll be down around 12v or maybe lower.

Places like AutoZone can usually test the alternator. Maybe for free?? (they hope you buy a new alternator from them)

 

Thanks for your quick reply, I went out and picked up a multimeter and tested the battery voltage and when the car is running with the blower on and such it hovers around 11.34. So I guess my alternator is bad then?

 

Well, it's NOT charging the battery. So either it's bad or the problem is in the wiring.

Any dirty/loose/corroded wiring between the battery & alternator? Remove the negative battery cable before checking, so you don't get a wrench between the (+) & ground.

Check BOTH ends of the ground cable for dirty/loose/corroded connections.

Also look at the ends of the cables. I've seen corrosion where the end-lug is crimped onto the cable itself.

Just check to make sure all that stuff is good before getting a new alternator.