Understand the relationship between a Honda Accord’s alternator, battery, and electrical system. We explain how dim headlights, hard starting, and weak accessories could be signs of a bad alternator.
M & R Automotive near Belmont, CA, services all makes and models of Honda, including the popular Honda Accord. While these are very reliable vehicles, time and natural wear can start to affect the alternator’s ability to charge the battery. The early signs can be subtle, and paying close attention could reduce the cost of any potential alternator repairs or at least save you the cost of replacing the car’s battery.
Dim lights and weak electrical accessories are some of the earliest signs of a Honda Accord with a bad alternator. This looks like a battery problem, because it’s caused by the alternator failing to fully charge the battery, and it can’t handle the drain.
Hard starting, or needing to be jump started without an obvious reason, are other common signs of a Honda Accord with a bad alternator. This usually indicates the charging problem is getting worse, to the point the battery itself might be suffering damage from being chronically undercharged.
The battery warning light coming on is a very serious sign the alternator is failing to charge the battery and might stall at any moment. In many of these cases, accelerating the engine might turn the warning light off, yet when the RPMs come down at a stoplight the light comes back on. At this point the car is very close to stalling out and won’t restart without jump starting.
The added concern with driving a Honda Accord with a bad alternator is the way chronic undercharging can degrade a lead-acid battery’s internal components. The longer you wait to have the alternator professionally inspected, the more likely you’ll need to also replace the battery.
Determining if your Honda Accord’s charging problem is indeed a bad alternator, or some other fault, starts with a visual inspection. Check the battery connectors themselves for signs of corrosion. If you see white paste on one of the connections, you might be able to clean it by disconnecting the battery before scrubbing the corrosion away with a paste of baking soda and water.
Also check the state of the serpentine belt which powers the alternator. Look for any frayed edges or cracks in the belt. Ask yourself if the car has been running hotter than usual in traffic or if the power steering has felt a little stiff. These could be signs the serpentine belt needs to be replaced and the alternator itself might be fine.
If this self-diagnosis approach seems a little too complicated, you can always bring your Honda Accord to our shop. We’ll test the battery, alternator, serpentine belt and other components to determine the best way to repair your Honda Accord’s charging system.
If you live in the Belmont, CA, area and your Honda Accord has been showing signs of a potential alternator or battery problem, call M & R Automotive to schedule an appointment. We have the diagnostic tools and training to determine the true source of the problem and make any necessary repairs.
