93 Civic Batter Light and Speedometer

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Jim - 11 Jul 2006 01:00 GMT

Hi,

I have a 93 Civic - new to me.

The battery light is on and the speedometer and Tach stop working once
in a while.

Any suggestions on what I should check out?

Jim

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Michael Pardee - 11 Jul 2006 01:10 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Jim

Check out the alternator first. The battery light is telling you the
alternator is probably not keeping your battery charged. Most places that
sell alternators will do a quick test in the car.

Mike

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Elle - 11 Jul 2006 01:12 GMT

The warning lamp with the battery icon in it is actually the
"malfunction, charging system" light.

See about the middle of
http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html for some
quick voltage checks you can do that might tell you more.

Congrats on your new Civic. How many miles? Do you have any
maintenance records on it?

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Jim

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Jim - 11 Jul 2006 14:44 GMT

Thanks for you help everyone.

Definitely need a new alternator. Please advise on which ones are
good, how to install and which repair manual to buy.

Mileage is 133K, no maintenance records. I will see if I can contact
the previous owner to get his feedback on the car.

Jim

> The warning lamp with the battery icon in it is actually the
> "malfunction, charging system" light.
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> >
> > Jim

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'Curly Q. Links' - 11 Jul 2006 15:28 GMT

> The warning lamp with the battery icon in it is actually the
> "malfunction, charging system" light.
>
> See about the middle of
> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html for some
> quick voltage checks you can do that might tell you more.

-----------------------------------------

I notice the troubleshooting part mentions 'warmed up', but doesn't seem
to stress this important fact I came across the other day:

"a no-charging system may not be the alternator. Honda has been using an
ELD (electrical load device) relay for the last 10 years or so. Honda
uses PCM strategy to control the voltage regulator. We have learned to
let the engine run a few minutes before checking alternator output (the
PCM lets the initial start up to stabilize before turning the alternator
on, reducing the load on the engine). Honda uses the ELD relay to
control alternator output -- no load, no work at idle."

I found it when I was searching 'honda ELD' with google.

The OP may need brushes only, not a whole alternator, also.

'Curly'

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Jim - 11 Jul 2006 16:16 GMT

The alternator belt is missing and the alternator does not turn by hand
so I assume the alternator is seized up.

Can I get a rebuilt alternator?

Thanks again,

Jim

> > The warning lamp with the battery icon in it is actually the
> > "malfunction, charging system" light.
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> 'Curly'

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Jim Yanik - 11 Jul 2006 17:47 GMT

> The alternator belt is missing and the alternator does not turn by hand
> so I assume the alternator is seized up.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Jim

I'm sure most of your local auto stores sell rebuilt alternators,along with
the more pricey Honda ones. You can get an idea of their price and
availability by shopping online,Advance Auto,NAPA are a couple of good
sites.

Some models may be difficult for accessing the alternator without removing
a drive axle half-shaft and dropping the alt. from below the car..

Signature

Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

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hondaman - 11 Jul 2006 19:33 GMT

it requires removal of the drivers side axle. unless you toy with the master
cylinder which leads to way too many problems.

-jeff

>> The alternator belt is missing and the alternator does not turn by hand
>> so I assume the alternator is seized up.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Some models may be difficult for accessing the alternator without removing
> a drive axle half-shaft and dropping the alt. from below the car..

Reply to this Message

Jim - 11 Jul 2006 20:49 GMT

Thanks - I was afraid of that.

> it requires removal of the drivers side axle. unless you toy with the master
> cylinder which leads to way too many problems.
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> > Some models may be difficult for accessing the alternator without removing
> > a drive axle half-shaft and dropping the alt. from below the car..

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Elle - 11 Jul 2006 23:05 GMT

Haven't some people here reported putting a jack under the
oil pan and raising it a little provides the necessary
clearance?

Jim there are free online manuals at www.autozone.com and
http://www.honda.co.uk/car/owner/workshop.html that might
help you.

No alternator belt?? That does not make sense.

> it requires removal of the drivers side axle. unless you
> toy with the master cylinder which leads to way too many
> problems.

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Elle - 11 Jul 2006 23:02 GMT

"'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote
E

>> See about the middle of
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html for
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>
> I found it when I was searching 'honda ELD' with google.

I'll study this further and potentially make revisions.
Little time right now--taking another automotive course for
fun. Thanks, though!

> The OP may need brushes only, not a whole alternator,
> also.

Not sure if the above is for me, but I think that point is
well covered at my site.

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Elle - 12 Jul 2006 04:19 GMT

> I notice the troubleshooting part mentions 'warmed up',
> but doesn't seem
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> or so. Honda
> uses PCM

PCM = performance control module?

> strategy to control the voltage regulator. We have learned
> to
> let the engine run a few minutes before checking
> alternator output (the
> PCM lets the initial start up to stabilize

The PCM prevents the alternator from turning on electrically
until the engine is warmed up?

> before turning the alternator
> on, reducing the load on the engine). Honda uses the ELD
> relay to
> control alternator output -- no load, no work at idle."

What is he trying to say with the "no load, no work at idle"
statement?

> I found it when I was searching 'honda ELD' with google.

I found the original quotation by a guy posting under
"Mouse7088" at another forum but still can't quite follow
it.

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Michael Pardee - 12 Jul 2006 05:05 GMT

>> I notice the troubleshooting part mentions 'warmed up', but doesn't seem
>> to stress this important fact I came across the other day:
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> PCM = performance control module?

Pulse Code Modulation. I think it is a misnomer for Pulse Width Modulation.
Think "switch mode" and your mind will be free....

> The PCM prevents the alternator from turning on electrically until the
> engine is warmed up?
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> What is he trying to say with the "no load, no work at idle" statement?

Dunno - I never figured out what the ELD was for.

>> I found it when I was searching 'honda ELD' with google.
>
> I found the original quotation by a guy posting under "Mouse7088" at
> another forum but still can't quite follow it.

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Elle - 12 Jul 2006 22:06 GMT

> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>>> I notice the troubleshooting part mentions 'warmed up',
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Width Modulation. Think "switch mode" and your mind will
> be free....

I wish. I never had a good course in electronics.

>> The PCM prevents the alternator from turning on
>> electrically until the engine is warmed up?
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>>
> Dunno - I never figured out what the ELD was for.

Shoot.

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