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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / Maintenance and Repair / February 2005Battery not charging on 91 CRX
I've had a 91 CRX for about 6 months. I've let it set for about a month since we've had some snow, and when I started it yesterday, the dash light was on that indicates the battery isn't charging. I've looked in the service manual which says this can be caused by loose belt, blown fuse, bad alternator, etc. or course. The belt seems ok, the fuse is ok. I see two connections to the alternator. One is called the 'B' terminal, has a single wire, and I can get that off. The other connector has multiple wires and either screws onto the alternator or pushes in; I can't tell which. Does anyone know how to get this thing off? Also, it looks like a real chore to get the alternator out of the car. I'd appreciate any help anyone can give on this problem. Today was the first time it's been above freezing for awhile and I'm hoping some moisture somewhere turned to ice and might melt/evaporate if I'm lucky. This is seeming less likely however. By the way... "B" stands for Battery... but on to your issue. Before anything else is done... you should verify what the actual charging voltage is. This can be done by starting the engine and measuring the battery voltage with a simple voltmeter/multimeter. As a rule... anything below 13.5 or above 14.5 is abnormal. It may help to know if you're charging at all (one phase failed) or the alternator is completely dead. Professor www.telstar-electronics.com OK, thanks. I think it is not charging since it seems to be struggling in starting today which was not the case yesterday. But I'll take the measurement tomorrow to be more sure. > OK, thanks. I think it is not charging since it seems to be struggling in > starting today which was not the case yesterday. But I'll take the > measurement tomorrow to be more sure. Is the alternator accessible at all? Try giving it a whack with a rubber hammer or small chunk of 2x4. One of the brushes may be stuck. More likely a dead battery > I've had a 91 CRX for about 6 months. I've let it set for about a month > since we've had some snow, and when I started it yesterday, the dash light [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > on this problem. Today was the first time it's been above freezing for > awhile and I'm hoping some moisture somewhere turned to ice and might > melt/evaporate if I'm lucky. This is seeming less likely however. On a high mileage CRX you most likely have worn brushes. The easiest (and very effective) backwoods way to determine this is to take a pipe or prybar etc to reach the alternator, then line it up with a hefty part of the alternator housing and tap it with a hammer. Do not hit the slotted cooling area or the metal cover on the back. Do this with the engine running, the charging light on (indicating no charge) and the headlights on. If after a couple moderate taps the engine loads down and the headlights get brighter, then you have determined that the brushes are worn out. This is very common. You will have a very high chance at success if you (or your mechanic) replace the brush holder in the alternator. Or you can get a reman unit, probably with a one year warrantee. BTW, if this is a CRX HF, they don't charge all the time. Rev up the engine with the headlights on to check for charging voltage and current. Toyota MDT in MO |
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