"Ninja_Mantis" <dshark87 RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:7f14cc5523a6fcd5db0a65d3fd736d60@localhost.talkaboutautos.com...
> My 89 Acura Legend always ran fine but nowadays, it keeps losing power. I
> removed the alarm system thinking that was the problem (draining battery)
> but it still happens.
>
> I can start it sometimes and drive a bit, if I stop somewhere, it won't go
> back on.
>
> Feels like a dead battery and so I took the new battery back to AutoZone
> and got it recharged but that only lasted a week. Now its dead again.
>
> When it wont start, it feels like it wants to turn over but wont. Then, I
> turn the key and there is silence...like its the starter. But how can it
> be the starter when other times it does turn over?
>
> I suspect that since I had a Remote Start that may have ruined the starter
> but not sure. Dont trust mechanics, who always manage to rip me off. HELP!
>
> Thanks
>
I've never worked on a Legend, but the following pretty much applies to all
cars:
Make sure you clean your battery contacts. Also clean the contact from the
battery negative to the frame. Clean both sides.
Get a cheap multimeter (radio shack, sears) and measure the voltage across
the battery when the car is running. It should be around 14.5 Volts. Any
less, and your alternator or charging system is at fault.
Turn on your lights and AC - it should stay at 14.5 volts while running.
With the car off, the battery should be over 12V, also in the morning when
the car has been sitting for a while. It it has dropped significantly, you
may have something that bleeds your battery over night. There are ways to
tell, so report back if that is the case.
If the voltage is ok, Check the fat wire between the battery and the
starter. Disconnect both ends and clean both with an emery board or
sandpaper - Be careful cleaning this starter wire - make sure the battery
positive wire is off because that is a direct connection. While you are
there, also clean off the thinner wire to the starter (goes to the ignition
switch).
If occasionally the car still does not start, get a starter cable and tie
one negative side to the battery and the other negative side to the beefiest
exposed metal you can find of the engine. Just let the positive wire
dangle - don't hook it up. If the car now starts, you have high resistance
on your ground path somewhere. If so, you'll have to clean off or recrimp
the ground contacts that go to the engine or frame.
When it doesn't start, check the voltage on the thinner wire to the starter.
It should be 12V when the key is in the 'start' position. If it isn't, your
ignition key may be bad.
If it still does not start and everything else is ok, take a hammer and a
short piece of 2x4. Put the 2x4 on the starter and whack the other end of
the 2x4 with the hammer. Sometimes someone has to turn the key while you are
doing this. If it now starts, your starter is most likely the problem.
Hope you find it soon,
Remco<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
>> Stay informed about: Legend battery keeps dying, starter?generator? alternator? 
FAQ
Profile
Private Messages
Log in
