Questions and Answers

Honda Accord Loses Battery Power Q. Hello, I have an old 1987 Honda Accord LXi. When I try to start the car and turn the key into ignition position, the lights on the dashboard and the dome light show very dim, the clock and CD player don't even work. When I turn to the cranking mode, it doesn't crank, nothing happens. I tested the starter wire when in cranking position, no voltage was detected on it.

I also tested the main power cable, the voltage is below 12V. But the funny part is, after a long period of time, the voltage suddenly comes back to normal 12V, but the car still doesn't start and the voltage will drop again. I tested the battery, which is fine in it's 12V. Do you have any idea on what can cause this rare problem?

Thank you in advance for your help!
Regards,
Kin

A. Sounds to me very much like a bad battery. It is not at all a rare symptom. A battery can have 12 volts as measured by a voltmeter but not have the amperage to supply the vehicle with the amount of current it needs.

The proper way to test the battery is with a battery load tester. This will tell you if the battery is, indeed, good or bad.