janerz12

So i have an open leased civic. This past month my car had been dying. Got my battery replaced and turned out its my alternator that's faulty. For a 2012, it is weird that the alternator is faulty. When i return the car next week does anyone know how much they'll charge me or can i get a third party to fix it before i return it which would be a few days after the lease end date. Dealership charges so much and of course i found this problem out a week before the lease ends!
Hope you can help me

janerz12

Battery replacer said alternator is at 12v instead of 14.

ezone

You got a new battery installed, is there a problem with it already? Has it gone dead?



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How do YOU know the alternator is a problem?

There was a software update for the charging system, to help avoid undercharging in certain situations.

The charging system can regulate charging voltage up or down as needed, so someone just saying it's 'at 12v' does not necessarily mean it is not working.

janerz12

I went to a battery place he hooked up a charger thing while he replaces the battery and he told me the voltage of the alternator after he installed the new battery. He said since I drive for work the new battery will drain fast cuz of the alternator. BUT he said it will die in two days, it's been a week now and it's good. I'm just worried Honda will charge me alot

ezone

That says a lot right there.

Do you have a voltmeter of your own? (or borrow one)
Hook it up to the battery cables, read voltage.
Start the engine, recheck voltage.
What are your readings?

janerz12

No but I'm going to a mechanic tomorrow and he's gonna check it out. Thanks so much!

ezone

Keep in mind if there is little electrical load, the system can lower the charging voltage. Honda has designed their charging systems to do this for decades now, to increase gas mileage.

If you turn on the headlights and fan or AC the system should increase alternator output accordingly.

My own 2012 has had the software update mentioned, it will show about 14.2v most of the time (on my ultragauge), and every once in a while I catch it in a low output state at about 12.6v or so.

janerz12

Oh so youre saying I should turn headlights on even during the day to increase the voltage If it helps?

ezone

Not at all.

I meant as a part of the charging system test only....just to prove the alternator is capable of more voltage than your battery installer claimed to see.
Besides, voltage check is only a part of a charging system evaluation.


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When I see lease cars turned in, they might sit on our lot for a month or more before someone from the lease company or bank comes to look at anything, and even then it seems like they just look for cosmetic/crash/interior damage.

janerz12

Oh you work for Honda? So I don't need to make an appointment for inspection? I leased a Toyota a few years ago and I made them write on paper that everything looks good so I don't get screwed over later. I will get Honda to do the same since everything is good.

ezone

Your charging voltage is what now?




No, I work for a Honda DEALER. In the service department. I have nothing to do with sales. I just mentioned what I have observed in my little corner of the planet.


I suggest you contact your local dealer and ask them your questions.

janerz12

Normal voltage at 14. Something. When it's off it's at 12. Pheww. Good thing I have a trusted mechanic friend he tested it both engine on/off. Almost wasted 600 on a New alternator because a mechanic said so! Thanks for your help

ezone

Close enough to know it's working.

Your battery installer said so.

There's a reason he's installing batteries, not fixing cars.