I am having some weird problems with my 1996 accord.

All of a sudden when I was driving today my ABS light came on and the speedometer and odometer fell to zero then came back up. The car ran ok until I got home. Tonight when I got in the headlights were dim and it gave me a hard time starting. Anytime I would use the turn signal, put window down, turn on ac, anything electrical, the speedometer went to zero. Seems to be running ok just having these symptoms.

I had trouble with my window the other day so I took out the window switch and tried to clean the connectors. I think I blew the drivers widow fuse because now my drivers window won't go down and the sunroof won't move. I don't know if this has anything to do with what's going on just thought I would mention it just in case.

I am thinking it might be the alternator but I could be way off. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

Yes this does sound like a "power" issue..

Can you test or have tests done on the alt and battery, while there check the connections on the battey to be sure they are clean and tight.....low voltage DOES trip the ABS...anyone with one of these that has ever "lost" the alt will tell you the abs light came on as well.....btw, if it is the alt....9 of of 10 it is the brush assy....can be replaced while on the car ~$25 in parts if my failing memory is close.

 

Is there a way of knowing if it is the brush assy? An alternator cost about $100. I don't want to buy the assy and then have to end up buying a new alternator too.

 

Lets not jump to the alt and brush conversation until we are sure.

Do you have a volt meter?

Have you stopped by a parts store and had the battery and charging system tested.

And to repeat, be sure the cables are clean and tight......

 

I took the alt to Advanced and they checked it and said it was fine. Once I get it all put back together I am going to have them test my battery. I will update tomorrow. Thanks!

 

After a weekend of trouble shooting I found out that it wasn't a problem with anything I thought it was. I guess when I was working on the window I caused a short in the window switch. I put everything back together and just unplugged the window switch and now everything is working fine. I guess I need to find a new window switch a a junk yard or something.

Thanks for the help poorman!