89 Civic won't start

Yesterday my daughter's '89 Civic displayed the "Battery" warning light
while she was driving. This morning the "Check Engine" light is on along
with the battery light and the car won't start. It turned over okay for
awhile, but she managed to run the battery down. She lives 70 miles from
me so when I go up there tonight I would like to have some idea about what
the problem is. She has no battery charger so I'll have to take my charger
along and see if the battery will take a charge.

Will the "Check Engine" light even go out if the engine is cranking over
but won't start.

Will a low battery cause the "Check Engine" light to come on?

This car usually starts very easily.

Is there a way to test the computer in the driveway to see if it is bad?

Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I can tell you, I will never let my daughter drive a car that old. For me,
it's ok, I can manage to do something but not my daughter. I don't want to
think she's on the middle of nowhere with the car breakdown.

 

Give me a break! You know nothing about our personal situation or why she
is driving such an old car so your criticism is not welcome!

If there is anyone out there that is not so eager to judge and might have
some actual help, please reply!

 

If the battery is old (4 or 5 years) plan a new one. The battery
terminals may just be dirty. May need a new alternator. Take it to one
of the auto parts stores that check them out for free.
Good Luck! bob

 

I apologize, I didn't want to offend you

 

I'll second the guess on the alternator. Often when the Check Battery light
comes on it's the alternator. It may be the brushes in the alternator that
went bad. I've had a few that went bad on me and the first sign of trouble
was the battery light. You may also want to check and make sure all of the
belts are on and tight.

Has the alternator or battery ever been replaced?
The "Check Engine" she is referring to may just be coming on when the key is
turned to the "accessory" position, along with the other dash lights.

Let us know what happens.

Good luck!
-Dave

 

Thanks to Dave and bob for your help. The problem did turn out to be the
alternator. It was not generating enough energy to support lights, fans,
etc. while at the same time charging the battery. The oriiginal alternator
was replaced a couple of years ago with a Bosch brand, and the battery was
replaced along the same time frame.

Thanks again for your help!

Allen

 

Hi, I personlly don't think a car made in 1989 is old. I have an 89
Galant, and an 86 Sigma. Both are very reliable.

 

You're welcome. Hope you're back on the road and all is well.

Happy motoring!
-Dave

 

thats a lot of help.

 

it looks like the main relay is at fault. usually when you turn the
ignition to the on position, (not start position) the engine light
will light up for a few seconds, and then will extinguish. as it
extinguishes, you can hear a click from the main relay, it actually
controls the fuel pump.

you can try to locate the relay, and pop it open, and re-solder all
the solder points on the circuit board, as when the solder ages, it
cracks, and thats why the relay isn't working, or working
intermittently.

it seems like a common problem with the older hondas, as the
electrical components are starting to slowly fail

good luck!