3 replies to this topic

[Bancas]

I have a 1990 Accord LX 2.2L manual transmission. This car was

originally an automatic but the previous owner swapped in a manual

transmission and a newer engine. When I took it to a shop, they

told me that whoever did the swap didn't ground some wires

correctly but that they took care of it. The car was running fine

for a few weeks, then one day I went out to try start it and it was

completely dead. I had been driving it just an hour earlier but now

when I turn the key it makes no noise and no lights come on or

anything. So I figured that the battery was dead, gave it a charge,

same thing. I also got the battery checked and it was fine. I then

checked the fuses and the 80a main battery fuse was blown. I

replaced that fuse and as soon as I reconnected the battery it

blew. I then disconnected the alternator wire from the fuse box and

replaced the fuse again.

This time the car did come on when I put the key in the II position

but it did a bunch of weird stuff. The windshield wipers came on

and one of the running lights came on. So now I determined that the

problem was in the alternator because whenever it's connected to

the fuse box the main battery fuse blows. I need to know if it is

in fact my alternator and if I should replace the whole thing or

just a part of it. The alternator plug is a bit corroded so maybe

that could be the problem? Battery posts and terminals appear to be fine. Any help will be greatly

appreciated. Thanks.

[Raley]

1, that plug is not bad. 2, your battery terminals aren't bad. but the large wire from alt to where it connects at the fuse box is probbaly shorting somewhere... or internally in the fuse box. trace some wires.

[Bancas]

I replaced the alternator and the fuse is no longer blowing, however the car still wasn't getting any power except for the horn. I then realized that the main ground wasn't connected to the negative battery terminal. I connected the ground and whenever I try to connect the negative terminal to the negative battery post, sparks fly off and it melts the post.

[Raley]

you have a short. probably a main line.