2006-08-18 17:18:46 · 16 answers · asked by Pat 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Honda
turn the lights on
2006-08-18 17:23:55 · answer #1 · answered by el.tuco 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Most auto parts stores around will perform an electrical test free of charge that will tell you which component is bad.
If you want to do it yourself, find the wire that runs from the alternator to the battery [called the Chargeback Wire] and check the voltage on the wire with the engine running.
To test the Chargeback Wire, use a multimeter and connect the positive [red] test lead to the end of the wire coming from the alternator and the negative [black] test lead to the positive battery terminal.
If the voltage is about 14 volts, the alternator is likely good. If the voltage is below 12 volts, you need a new alternator, but a bad alternator CAN also kill the battery [and a bad battery can cause the alternator to work too hard and kill itself in a hurry] so don't replace an alternator or a battery and just assume your troubles are over. If you reverse the black and red leads, the reading will show a negative voltage... just ignore that negative and read the number as if it was positive.
2006-08-18 17:37:46 · answer #2 · answered by james t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the car is running remove the positive cable from the post on the battery, if the car stays running then youre alternator is good, if it dies its a bad alternator.
2006-08-19 09:51:32 · answer #3 · answered by wheels47012 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
how do I know if I need a new car battery or its the alternator?
2015-08-16 20:18:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually a battery or alternator light will come on , from my experience.If it's the batttery the car will just not turn over, or make a clicking sound.
2006-08-20 11:43:14 · answer #5 · answered by yourmyman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
James to is the most correct. However some Hondas do not charge at idle on after about 1300 rpm. This helps them run cleaner. So it can be difficult to get a reading his way. The problem with going to a place that sells parts to get a "free test" is its only free because they want you to buy something. Second you get what you pay for. In order to do it correctly you need to load test everything.
Also in some cases it may be a bad ground wire. Its always best to have a professional look at the charging system. The wrong move can leave you stranded. Find an independent repair shop in your area that works on your car. Call them and tell them whats going on with your car. As how much the charge to look it over and give you a complete report. Again keep in mind YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
2006-08-18 18:04:22 · answer #6 · answered by uthockey32 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to replace the battery only if it won't hold a charge.
If you can get the car started (maybe with a jump), and drive around for an hour with the headlights on, then your alternator is fine.
If you drive it around for an hour without the headlights on, and then it won't start the next morning, you need a new battery.
2006-08-18 17:27:09 · answer #7 · answered by pondering_it_all 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
alternator should give you a warning light. if the battery is bad, after you jump start, the alternator should keep the car running. or you can go by an autozone and they'll check it for free
2006-08-18 17:27:19 · answer #8 · answered by cooter_brown872 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start the car and disconnect the negative battery cable, If the car stays running the alternator is fine.
2006-08-18 17:41:03 · answer #9 · answered by chubbiguy40 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I Don't ever fool with electrical things on your car when it is running. Your altenator will go out if your battery is bad. Usually when your battery goes bad your battery will run off your altenator. Take it to your nerest auto zone and have them check it for free. I've always heard that there is no way to tell that your altenator goes bad until it has done went bad. And then you find out real quick. That is what happened to me
2006-08-21 05:06:45 · answer #10 · answered by Kasie Faith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best and sure way to check the altnator is to get the car running, and the take the positive battery cable off, if the car stays running, then it is fine and seek a new battery.
2006-08-18 20:33:44 · answer #11 · answered by mystical_missy2000 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋