Alternator Issues?

-Mike- · 17 Jan 2014 at 17:52

Hey all,

Just got home from work and noticed my lights suddenly go dim in the car. Thought it odd so got a multimeter and took readings.

The car drops to 12.6v at idle (battery voltage) and even reving it does not produce 14.x volts. It's only when you drop it back to idle from say 2000 rpm that it charges for a few seconds and then drops off again.

Blipping the throttle produces charge for a few seconds and then again, back to 12.6v

I've taken a video to show the dealers on Tuesday but does anyone have any pointers as to whether its likely to be the alternator?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/frq13xq0lvq4q18/Video 17-01-2014 17 01 53.mov

If you put large load on it'll kick back in but then drops out again as soon as you remove it. This isn't ideal for driving during daylight as I rarely have anything running that draws a lot of load.

Thanks for any help

Lopéz · 17 Jan 2014 at 19:19

Knackered alternator sounds highly likely to me. My A3 was doing this a couple of years ago, alternator was up the creek.

-Mike- · 17 Jan 2014 at 19:24

Honestly I'm tempted to get rid of it and go back to something 'older'. Its been back to the garage four times in three months and I'm getting fed up of it, and the Honda Jazz courtesy car they bless me with every time!

Edit : Thanks for the reply lopez

rodenal · 17 Jan 2014 at 19:56

Seems like it'll be the alternator then. Stupid question but is the belt ok? I know its auto tensioning on the civic but check it looks ok

The car sounds like a bit of a lemon unfortunately, a shame because I've quite honestly never heard of any of the petrols causing bother and my diseasel was a nice example too.

-Mike- · 17 Jan 2014 at 21:01

I genuinely, wish I spent the money and had a new camshaft put in my Bora. I had a petrol one, and wasn't bothered I was doing high mileage as I figured it'd be a keeper but the dealer couldn't get the parts required to fix a fault on it in time and so offered me to take advantage of their 30 day exchange policy. I wish I hadn't bothered, and while Honda warranty so far has been fantastic I would not dream of owning a modern Honda when its out of warranty.