I bought a 2003 S2000 yesterday - out of state. Today I was driving it around. All is well, until I go to start the car. I turn the key, no lights - nothing. I get 2 guys to push the car, then it started. On the way to my house, the lights kinda flickered every now and then. As long as it was above 3500 rpm, it seemed to do fine. When I got back, I got my multimeter out and the voltage was 14.5v - this was sitting in the garage with the car in neutral, no accessories on.

I think it's the alternator. Something like this happened on e Prelude I had. The only time the alternator would show any signs of being "broke" was when it had a load on it.

Can someone confirm or offer advice?

 

Congratulations on your purchase, I hope you enjoy the car.

Sounds like either a bad battery or bad connections in the wiring. If the alternator is putting out 14.5v that suggests it's OK, and you might as well start with the easier to replace and less expensive components. First check the wiring, making sure that all connections to the battery and alternator are tight and free from corrosion. If that's not it pull the battery and have it checked out (make sure you have the radio code before removing any battery connections). And If that's not the problem, escalate to having the alternator checked out. Also, If the OEM battery is still in the car (likely Panasonic brand), it's overdue for replacement anyway.

 

thanks! It's a 2 year old optima yellow top in the car right now. I'll take the car for a spin today and see what happens. The battery connections are tight. The reason I jumped to the alternator is because of the random dead battery and the flickering lights under load. (only under a load).

It has an extended warranty, but I'm sure it won't cover the alternator (it would be a normal wear/tear item). I hope it covers the differential. There is a whine coming from the rear - I didn't notice it until I got the car back. Is a speed-dependent whine normal?

 

thanks for the suggestion. I took the battery to advance auto and got another one. the optima had a whole 2 amps left in it. It cranks and runs fine now. I'll take it tomorrow to get the alternator tested to make sure everything is a-ok

hopefully I won't be starting too many threads in this forum

 

Happy to hear that the problem was solved and the battery was easily replaced.

Drivetrain noise is pretty typical for the car, especially under deceleration. Steady state differential noise is not normal. If the wrong differential oil has been used that can cause excessive wear and noise. Abuse and heavy use can do that too, even with the correct fluid (90 weight gear oil). Many owners use Mobil 1 75/90, and I use Lubrication Engineers LE 1605. Redline and Amsoil are other popular brands.

 

I'm not sure if the noise is "normal" or not, but I had read on here about the gear oil. I'll take it to the local Honda shop and get them to look it over. It came with a warranty left on it - hopefully (if something is wrong) they can write it so that the warranty will cover it.