need assistance in what I suspect is a faulty alternator, but would like another opinion.
scenario is this:
went on vacation for the last week and had to park the honda (agnes as i call her) at the airport for the duration. Here in MN it was below freezing pretty much the whole time. I was thinking upon my return that a jump was going to be necessary. However, it was aboyt 20 degrees when we returned and she fired right up. No hesitation. I did however immediately notice the battery dash light was on. It was still during daylight hours. As i proceeded to drive home and it got dark out the lights were required. Upon my return to the driveway, she was all about but dead. Lights dim, tach not working etc. Turned off all that i could just to make it home. I chrarged the battery all night and still the battery light is on. I made sure the cells were filled with water. It was about 10 miles to home from the airport. I let the car idle before leaving the airport for like 10 minutes and ten minutes after returning home with no accessory stuff on. Need less to say I decided not to drive agnes to work today (40 miles away) in fear that the alternator is not working and she would suck the juice right out of the battery. There was no indication what so ever that their was any problems prior to my departure.
My questions are:
#1 does this sound like the alternator?
#2 anyway to confirm a faulty alternator besdies replacing it?
#3 Do alternators just die that quickly without warning? And perhaps the fact it sat out in the freezing temps expedite its death?
#4 Is it difficult to replace as a DIY? I am pretty mechanically inclned.
#5 what else should I be thinking here that could be the problem?

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

sounds like it could be an alternator,,,,,,,have a shop test the electrical system in you car ,, including a possible electrical drain...

if indeed you need to replace the alternator let me know,, it is a pretty easy job

 

I have a 1990 Accord EX and it was acting the same way. It happened on a day when it was snowing. I had the battery tested and it lasted about a day. I have had the alternator replaced about 3-4 years ago but I was living in so cal and am now in N. Nevada. I've been doing some research and everything I've found leads me to believe it's the alternator again. My only problem is I don't know if I need an alternator with threads or if it needs to be bored. Please forgive me if I seem uneducated but I don't know a lot about cars unless it's doing the basics, tires, breaks, oil, but where I come from I'm in the advanced class for females. I want to learn more and that's why I'm here. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Not sure of your question? I just looked up the alternator for your car and there was not a choice, they only listed one-could be the site I went to?? So the question of "I don't know if I need an alternator with threads or if it needs to be bored" has me confused....by the way i've had the pleasure of working around some very skilled female tech's. If you can do the brakes, an alt change will not be a problem, I will ask that you confirm that it is the issue-test it yourself (if you have a volt meter, still not a 100% test) and have it tested where ever you decide to purchase a replacement from...just to be sure. If you are really brave you can test to see if it is the regualtor or brushes (most common issues) and just replace those pieces....good luck

 

It,s a bad alternator in both cases above. your alternators have through bolts . no threads in alternator where it attaches to cast iron bracket. The bracket is threaded. dissconnect the negative battery terminal and go for it.