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Battery light turns on and off?

Tiny
JGONZO2398
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,897 MILES
So, my car battery light came on earlier today while I was on the road. I noticed that my car started struggling to move forward when I hit the gas and the steering wheel started getting tight, so I pulled into an empty lot. After I jump started it, the battery would not hold a charge and just turn off. So, I went to AutoZone and got a new battery and dropped off my old one to charge. My concern right now is that the battery light will constantly turn on when I come to a stop but go away as soon as I hit the gas. One thing to keep in mind is that I replaced the alternator in April of last year and before that in October 2021 so I do not believe that should be the problem.
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Friday, March 24th, 2023 AT 7:14 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like the alternator is failing. Do me a favor. I need you to test the alternator output. All you need is a multimeter or voltmeter.

Follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find. Also, make sure the drive belt is tight.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 25th, 2023 AT 12:04 AM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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  • 357 POSTS
Do you know what would cause the alternator to fail? As I mentioned, I replaced it for the first time in October 2021 then again in April of last year.
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Saturday, March 25th, 2023 AT 2:10 AM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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So, I went ahead and took it to AutoZone to get tested and the machine they were using stated that the “charging system failed” and they essentially pointed to the fact that the alternator is failing.
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Saturday, March 25th, 2023 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I had a feeling that was happening. I hope it's under warranty.

As far as possible causes, it is really hard to tell. I've seen poor connections cause them to fail early. If the new ones were remanufactured, they normally won't last as long, but this is a lot faster than I would have thought.

Regardless, if you have a chance, let me know if replacing it takes care of the issue.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, March 25th, 2023 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
  • MEMBER
  • 357 POSTS
Appreciate it man, I have my mechanic coming in a couple days to look at it and most likely replace it.
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Saturday, March 25th, 2023 AT 11:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Sounds like a plan. Take care and let me know if that takes care of things. I'm interested in knowing and want to make sure you are taken care of.

Joe
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Sunday, March 26th, 2023 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
  • MEMBER
  • 357 POSTS
So, I just got a call back from my mechanic, he told me that the valve cover is leaking, right around the dipstick and it is positioned right above the alternator which is now covered in oil. He just replaced the valve cover gasket but needs an additional part. I found this online which I guess indicates a common issue.
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Monday, March 27th, 2023 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

That could cause an alternator issue for sure. I'm glad you made me aware of this issue. I've seen them leak before, but I never got to a point of alternator failure.

Regardless, if you could, would you mind letting me know if this resolves the issue? I'm interested in knowing.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
  • MEMBER
  • 357 POSTS
Issue seems to be fixed, the car is driving well, and battery light is no longer coming on. He ultimately replaced the valve cover gasket and the engine variable valve timing solenoid. He also applied some degreaser and washed off that area where the alternator was contaminated. Fingers crossed that it all stays well.
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Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That's good news. I'm glad it's working properly. If anything changes, let me know. Also, thank you for the update.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 AT 9:00 PM

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