Honda Car Forum

Burt wrote:
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote
>
> > I hate to say it, but that was my first thought too. It is also possible for
> > aftermarket battery wiring to be the wrong color! The only sure way is to
> > look on the battery for the polarity markings molded into the case near the
> > posts; a "+" and a "-" usually in circles, and follow the "-" wire to the
> > engine block or the body of the car.
>
> I believe this car uses a post type battery which has a large and a small post.
> This is a way to fool proof this type of error. This should be obvious to the
> battery installer.
>
> > If the wires are reversed, the way to test it is to correct the wiring,
> > replace the blown fuses and see what works and what doesn't. Especially
> > check to see if the system is charging - check for at least 13.6 volts DC
> > and less than 0.1 volts AC across the battery with the engine running. If
> > the voltage is at least 13.6 DC, make sure it is inder 15.5 volts DC (warmer
> > temperatures give lower readings) or the battery will be ruined within half
> > an hour.
> >
> > Mike

Thanks for all of the replies,

I am usually a very careful person and will check and double check
things before installing, I am certain that the battery was placed in
its proper form, in fact, I've taken a voltmeter just to be sure. Last
weekend was the first time I had a bit of time to look over the car,
this is what I found:

the following fuses continously burn:
Underhood Fuse Relay Box:
Fuse # 44, PGM FI main relay
Fuse #47, Audio Unit
Fuse #51, Door Lock

Underhoos ABS Relay Box:
Fuse #62, ABS Control Unit

Under Dash fuse Relay Box:
Fuse #15, Alternator SP Sensor, ELD unit

The car beeps 6 times whenever I insert the key.

The following systems work:
headlights
parking lights
horn
brake lights
emergency lights
wipers
the A/C fan comes on
the interior dome light
starter motor

The following systems do not work:
Radio
Door locks
aftermarket car alarm (with fuel pump cut-off)
I still do not hear the fuel pump engage for the 2 seconds after I
insert the key into the ignition.
The automatic transmission will not shift out of PARKING

I used a self-powered light test (actually it beeps) and fuse #51
(underhood fuse relay box "keyless door lock") makes contact with both
ground, on one side, and positive, on the other. I traced back the
origins and by removing the car alarm (disconnecting the harnesses) I
found that the fuse would no longer go to ground but all the other
fuses still burn.

So far I have disconnected all of the harnesses in sight, including
under the dash, the abs, keyless door lock and in the engine
compartment, I have cleaned and left them to dry for several days, the
whole to no avail.

I know that somehow everything is probably connected to either a bad
ground or a bad wire, the problem is that the wiring diagrams in the
"Chilton" manual are not specific enough.

Any of your comments and recommendations would be greatly appreciated
and if I do find the problem, I will happily post a very detailed
message to the benefit of other people who might experience a similar
problem.

One last note, for the past two years my fuel gauge has been erratic,
out of the blue and while at a red light, it will stop reading the
amount of fuel in the tank. Five minutes later, everything will be ok.
This happened perhaps 6 times in the past year or so.