Lude Generation

I’ve had my 5th gen 1999 2.0i Prelude for 4 1/2 years and apart from basic oil servicing - it’s needed nothing, so I’ve hardly had to put my head under the bonnet. The car is now having lots of TLC, new cam belt, water pump and both serpentine belts, with a big service, brake fluid change and a new exhaust.

I was running the engine after I’d changed all the belts - and all was fine, then suddenly the engine started to falter, various warning lights lit - including the battery charge/ignition light and the auto selector display was flickering. I shut it down immediately - and started checking it over, the only thing I found wrong was the (6 month old) battery was at barely 11 volts. I put the battery on charge and packed up for the night.

Head on pillow I started running things through my mind and remembered that on the metal pillar where the PAS pump is mounted is a threaded hole - and it has a witness mark where something clearly was fitted. I’m damned if I can remember exactly - getting old - but I think there was an earth strap fitted there...but I’m not sure...? I’ve had a quick look for an earth strap lying loose in that area of the engine bay - but didn’t find one...?

My query is - can someone please put me out of my misery and verify whether there should be an earth lead there - or not? My Prelude is a 1999 2.0i - if anyone can help, maybe send some pics, that would help arrest my grey hair development!

With thanks and best regards

Andy H

yes there is a small bracket off the top of the ps pump - dont think its an earth strap as there is an earth strap that goes from the cam side of the rocker cover to the engine mount. It might be the bolt/bracket is for locking/adjusting the tension on the belt - i know there is one on the 4th gen but but it located in a slightly different place on the 4th gen pas pump body.

As far as I can remember on the 5th gen 2.2 there are 2 earth straps on that side. One goes to the cam cover as @vanzep has mentioned and the other fixes to the top of the p/s pump mount with a small 10mm bolt (much like the cam cover one). Not sure if this is the same for the 2.0 though.

shows how much i know about 5th gens

There is an earth cable there but it doesn't do much. Actually doesnt do anything. I took mine off. Upgraded all other wiring.

Your electrical faults is definitely battery/alt related.

Assuming all other earths are still good..?