Car Mechanics: Lets Play "Guess the Problem!" *UPDATED* 8/16

[nord1899]

desertdweller I hope you are right. Then there won't be any charges since they already have recall notice on the ignition switch. Might even be able to get the towing fee covered for it too.

Well one last bump for the night crew. I'll see about updating tomorrow with what the dealer says is wrong.

 

[goodoptics]

definitely alternator or internal voltage regulator (inside alternator).
It can't be the computer. Car won't start if computer is fvcked.
not the ignition switch. doesn't control gauges.
not the battery. doesn't control gauges.

most likely the alternator sends the wrong voltage signals to the computer that in turn send wrong signals to the gauges.

Edit: nord1899: If the dealer says more than an alternator problem, be careful.

 

[nord1899]

bump for the morning crew

I'll update it when the dealer gives me a call

thanks everyone

 

[slag]

I'm betting alternator and possible battery. I have $5.00 paypal. Anyone wanna bet against me?

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: slag
I'm betting alternator and possible battery. I have $5.00 paypal. Anyone wanna bet against me?

I'll bet with you.

BTW, computer ills and wiring problems are exceptionally rare in most Honda/Acuras, but alternators and batteries are subject to age and wear just like on any other car. Mechanics and car gurus generally consider alternators and batteries to be ?maintenance? items to be replaced on an as needed basis.

90,000 miles is a little early for an average OEM Honda alternator in my experience, but it?s not too weird, especially if you use the AC a lot (which runs the radiator fan, and auxiliary cooling fan, if it has one 100% of the time the AC is engaged, not to mention the interior fan), have seat heaters, and run with the headlights on most of the time.

 

[goodoptics]

Here is an estimate (quote from ALLDATA software) for replacing the alternator if you are interested:

Alternator (OEM): $323
Labor time: 0.8 hr

 

[Ornery]

My first guess was a poor connection or corrosion in a connector through the firewall. Then I started thinking about this:

• ...So if you hear complaints about intermittent alternator charging or a dying engine when additional loads are turned on, inspecting this fusible link connector behind the battery box is a good place to start...

 

[nord1899]

Well, the bastids at the dealor were a PITA to get ahold of today. But they "think" its the alternator.

*sigh* This car has cost me way too much money this summer. But I can't afford to buy a new (or used) one right now. Maybe next summer.

 

[goodoptics]

Originally posted by: nord1899
Well, the bastids at the dealor were a PITA to get ahold of today. But they "think" its the alternator.

*sigh* This car has cost me way too much money this summer. But I can't afford to buy a new (or used) one right now. Maybe next summer.

I am afraid it may not last until next summer. If you waited too long, you may end up needing a new battery.

 

[KouklatheCat]

Ive had a couple of cars give similar performances....it was the alt

 

[nord1899]

Originally posted by: goodoptics

Originally posted by: nord1899
Well, the bastids at the dealor were a PITA to get ahold of today. But they "think" its the alternator.

*sigh* This car has cost me way too much money this summer. But I can't afford to buy a new (or used) one right now. Maybe next summer.

I am afraid it may not last until next summer. If you waited too long, you may end up needing a new battery.

The car is dead right now. I have no choice but to fix it. And I will get it fixed. Rather pay some money now to get it fixed, than a larger amount later when it dies.

Just really annoying how much this car has drained from me this summer.

The driver side window motor died. That cost me about $150.
The 90k maint was about $450.
The water pump/transmission fluid (not part of the 90k, but recommended at that time) cost me about $800.

And all I was expecting to do this summer was the 90k bit.

Now I have another $300+ (probably quite a bit more than that too) repair to pay for.

ARGH!

 

[nord1899]

Originally posted by: KouklatheCat
Ive had a couple of cars give similar performances....it was the alt

I had an older car that had the alt go on it. But it was more of a gradual thing. The interior lights being dimmer, the engine having a rougher start and idle.

This one just went in the span of about 30 minutes driving time. The Monday incident (where the problems started) was about 5 miles, 15 minutes. The Wed incident (when the car died) was about 15 miles, 20 minutes or so.

Thats what got me, how fast it just went dead.

 

[KouklatheCat]

Newer cars are more dependant on the alternator to run. My 66 Mustang runs ok with a dead alternator, just don't shut it off.....

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: KouklatheCat
Newer cars are more dependant on the alternator to run. My 66 Mustang runs ok with a dead alternator, just don't shut it off.....

I don't understand this at all.

 

[KouklatheCat]

I have had new cars die when the alternator dies because the fuel system etc needs some of the juice provided from the alternator to run. My 66 mustang doesnt have fuel injection so the alternator is used for charging the battery only.

 

[nord1899]

Well for those playing along here are the results.

Dealer says its the alternator for sure. Everything else checked out okay.

Well, there goes even more money on the car this summer.

 

[goodoptics]

Originally posted by: nord1899
Well for those playing along here are the results.

Dealer says its the alternator for sure. Everything else checked out okay.

Well, there goes even more money on the car this summer.

Just curious, how much did they quote you on parts and labor?

 

[speed01]

Guess it's time to brush up on my new car stuff.... Both my cars are older and as long as the battery is charged, it doesn't matter if the alt. is working or not, they still work perfectly until the battery dies. Although, I have had those fusible links kick my rear a few times....