Honda Repair: 89 prelude drives, but no electrical, electrical specialist, specialist shop

Question
I have a standard 89 prelude which needs to warm up a bit before it works properly, I forgot and stalled at a light on a hill. I immediatly after the stall, forgetting to turn off the fan, defroster or headlights. Instead of a nice meaty rev the car just whined as though I was trying to start it after it was already on, even though it was off. Following that I just picked up speed on the hill and let off the clutch, after which the car drove then but the lights got dimmer then died so did the interior lights. By the time I got home the only thing that worked was the speedometer. at that point it wouldn't restart so I got a jump and it started no problem and continued to work after wards but slowly lost the electrical again. What's likely to be wrong

Answer
Hi Brendan, sounds to me like your alternator/starter/battery.


Before you do anything check all fuses under hood and under dash with a test light. To verify that they are working properly.

If one of these fail it can cause all three to go bad. (A weak battery can destroy the diodes in an alternator i.e.)

Battery: has a date code on it somewhere. Usually a white sticker with Mo/Yr. If you find the sticker and it is older than 5 to 6 years condemn the battery. You should remove the battery too and take it to a major Auto Parts retailer and have them test it. This should be a free service. (Keep the battery though you will need it as a core/trade-in.)

Alternator: Can be tested in vehicle without removing. At a Battery and Electrical specialist shop. This service should be free too. You also can remove the alternator and take it there as well.

Starter: Can be tested in vehicle without removing. At a Battery and Electrical specialist shop. This service should be free too. You also can remove the starter and take it there as well.