Ok so my buddy had to drive my car alittle while ago and he stalled it like two times before he even got moving (I know I know). So after that the batt light went on. About aday later I was driving my car at night and I noticed my car lights and interior lights were dim. When I got near my house my car started to die... I got it parked and let it sit for a little bit and it started right up. I let it run and about 3 mins later the lights dimmed and it died again. I let it sit again and started it and once again it did the same thing... Then I let it sit and it wouldnt even turn over.. it would just click. Im thinking its either the alternator, Batt or map sensor... I checked all the grounds and everything looked stright. I was just wondering if you guys have any imput as to what it might be. Thanks in advance.

Car is a 1990 Civic 4-door OBD-0
With a B16a

 

sounds like a dead alternator to me

 

A map sensor won't make the lights dim.

It's probably either a bad alternator not charging the battery, or a power or ground cable problem. If you can get the car running, check the charging voltage and also check the voltage directly at the battery with the engine off. It shouldn't be too hard to track down what's wrong.

 

ok thanks alot guys.. I thought it was an alternator to but I wasnt sure... will an alternator from a LS or B20 bolt up to a B16?

 

You're going to troubleshoot before you replace the alternator, right? The alternator could very well NOT be the problem, so don't blindly start replacing stuff without some direction first.

 

if you can get it jumpstarted, just take it to autozone or advanced (any big box car parts place) and have them test the alternator. the test also tests the battery. that narrows your search in no time.

 

could be the battery or battery terminals also. Pop the hood maybe? Then when you cant figure it out get it checked as previously stated.

 

Popped the hood.. I checked all the grounds and they were all stright... which is why I posted this.. but thanks

 

i have the same exact problem i got it started and if i try to turn lights on the car does. i brought a new alternator. befoe you do check your belt, your plug, and the ground. good luck

 

Check the resistance and voltage drop across the grounds. Just being tight doesn't mean anything; often you can't apply mechanical testing methods to electrical parts.

For example, my WRX ground connection failed from corrosion between the block and the cable terminal, and everything was tight. There was a voltage drop of a few volts between the block and the battery ground, and I just tracked it from there. My symptoms were identical to yours, it would just click instead of turning over, and the lights were dim.

I'm glad I didn't blindly replace the alternator, because that would have solved exactly nothing. Now do you understand what I'm saying about troubleshooting first? It could be the alternator, but it could be something else instead.

Learn how to find problems instead of learning how to buy and replace parts.