Hi im new here. I'm having trouble with my 2002 honda civic ex. I swaped the alternator and for some reason it is still not charging. Any suggestions?

 

Does the "battery" light come on when you turn the key on but don't start? It should, and then go out after you start the engine. If the light never comes on, check the alternator fuse under the dash. Also there is a big fuse between the alternator and the battery. The output wire (the one on a separate terminal) should be live all the time even with the key off.

 

I have to charge the battery to get it to start, I check it with a voltage meter and it doesnt charge. It slowly dies after that. I will check it out. THANK YOU. I didnt even know about the fuse.

 

Ok, I found the fuse, it was blown so I replaced it. It is still not charging. I hit the main wire coming off the alternator with the voltage tester and it seams fine. I am wondering if there is a fuse in the wire for the small bundle of wires that are on the alternator.

 

Yes, that fuse is under the dash. The "I" wire (yellow and black) in the plug with small wires should be live when you turn the key on.

 

Well I replaced the old fuse and still nothing, I got a random whim and checked the new fuse this morning. It was blown too but not by a lot. I replaced that one and now it is charging! I got all the way to the gas station and back with no problems.

 

My concern is why is the new one blowing? It means that you might have a lemon for a new alternator. I'd recommend that you replace your alternator.

 

Yeah I'm really not sure. I had the alternator tested before I installed it. I think I will keep some fuses in the glove box and see if this happens again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

Well I drove about a mile and a half and the fuse blew again. Any suggestions?

 

Which fuse?

You could look for frayed wires in the harness, but that was a problem mostly with 1996-2000 models.