Tech Tips

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Honda

Troubleshooting '90-'93 Accord Electrical System

1. Check alternator connections and drive belt tension.
2. Test battery and make sure that it is fully charged.  Inspect battery cables and alternator connection.
3. Check fuse No. 2 (15A) in the dash fuse box.  Replace fuse if needed.  If fuse is blown, charge warning light will come on even if the charging system is operating properly.
4. With engine at operating temperature, stop engine, unplug alternator harness, turn key to on position without engine running.
5. Check for batter voltage between the Black/Yellow wire and ground.
   1. If no voltage is present check dash fuse No. 2 or inspect for an open in the Black/Yellow wire.
6. Charge Warning Llight" should not be on.
   1. If "Charge Warning Light" is on, check for short to ground in White/Blue wire, check for shorted integrated control unit (ICU) or shorted ABS control unit if the vehicle is equipped with these items.
7. Connect jumper wire between the White/Blue wire and ground.
   1. If "Charge Warning Light" comes on, circuit is good.
   2. If "Charge Warning Light" does not come on, then check for burned bulb, open circuit in the White/Blue wire, open circuit in the Black/Yellow wire between the warning light and the dash fuse box or between dash fuse box and ignition switch.
8. Check for battery voltage between Green/White wire and ground.
   1. If voltage is present, circuit is good.
   2. If voltage is not present, check for open in White/Green wire, faulty PGM-FI or faulty ELD (Electric Load Detector).
9. Turn ignition switch off and reconnect alternator harness.
10. Start engine.
11. Operate engine at 2000 RPM and check output voltage.
    1. If voltage is greater than 15.1Vdc, voltage regulator is faulty.  Replace the alternator.
    2. If voltage is less than 13.9Vdc, check the battery.
    3. Apply load (lights, heater, carbon pile) until voltage is between 12.0 and 13.5 volts.  Check amperage:  it should be 30 Amps or greater.  If amperage is less than 30 Amps, replace alternator.

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