So my alternator is on its way out. Only outputting 12v's. The car only has 40k miles on it. Typically alternators last a bit longer, which leads me to believe there is something that caused the alt to go bad. I am looking for idea's why it would die early.

For reference the car was in a collision where the right front fender was dented in and steering rack was replaced. A motor mount was broken and replaced and I question that in the accident the motor could have crushed a wire that affects the alternator.

 

Alright any input from people who have replaced their alternators. What mileage did it die at?

 

the 12v output is not necessarily bad. Im not positive about our cars, but many other hondas like the prelude have two different charging stages- 12v and 14v. the voltage regulator in the alt. switches between the two depending on the load at the time.

anyone have more info on hondas unique charging system?

 

Hmm has anyone else seen the switch between 12v and 14v? I consistently get 12v with all accesories on. I've checked it multiple times.

 

il try to look up the specs for the alternator at work tomorow

 

I really appreciate it. Where do you work that you have access to this information?

 

Honda dealership near Chicago

 

Alt dying @ 40k doesnt' seem right. I'm still on my oe one and most of my driving is done @ night w/headlights, stereo, amps, radar/phone charger, and mini battery. Also, I'm not sure that 12v is really bad. Are you having trouble starting the car or dimming lights when cooling fans come on?

 

Well I haven't noticed any dimming or trouble starting but I was always under the impression that an alt should be putting out 14.4v.

What prompted the investigation was my eps was failing. After a day at honda they said the ground to the eps ecu was repainted so it didn't have a good connection. I originally thought it was because of the low voltage.

 

Well I did some testing that should have been done in the first place.

I checked all my other cars and they are all reading 12v's also.

I suppose 12v's is perfectly normal or my voltimeter is giving me bad readings.

I am still courious if anyone else is reading 12v.