Rep Power: 0

I also posted this in the I.C.E. forum.

Greetings -
I have an 01 EX coupe with 112,000 miles. Here are the symptoms:

1. While driving, instrument panel and radio will cease operation.
2. After varying amounts of time (10 seconds to a few minutes) they will begin operating again. The ABS light sometimes comes on.
3. Aux power source (lighter) will sometimes remain operating.
4. Sometimes the fan will slow down or stop running.
5. Engine operation never seems to be an issue - just the devices specified.
6. Once (today) the car would not turn over. Got it started with a jump and made it home.

Once home, I checked alternator output and the battery.
1. Voltage at the battery with the engine running was 13.7 (cooling fan) and 13.3 (fan on).
2. The battery is of an unknown age (the date punches on it are all intact). I have had the car for 4 years. (I know - the battery is certain to be ready for a replacement.)
3. Specific gravity floats 2 ***** in all 6 cells.
4. I currently have it charging at 12 amps.

My initial feeling was the alternator but I do not have any dash indication of a failure.
Would a bad battery alone cause these problems?
Is there a possible transiant problem with the alternator?
Anything else that might be causing this?

Thanx

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi,

I just had my alternator changed last week and I had the same symptoms. The dashboard lights & radio would turn off but the car would still be running. Then, it would turn on again. I parked my car and checked the fuses, battery and everything was fine however I was no longer able to start the car afterwards.

I'm in the same situation as you. I purchased my car in April and it's a 2002. I think I'm going to be purchasing a new battery soon just to be on the safe side.

 
Rep Power: 0

The verdict is in - Voltage regulator.

Final cost - $130 installed, not by me but by Fast Eddy's in Andrews, NC. I used Eddy in the past to build a HO alternator for my Typhoon. A rare combination of a smart and honest repair shop.