Hi all,


Let's introduce myself first: Martijn from the Netherlands. My girlfriend owns a 2002 Honda Jazz (aka Fit). 1.3L engine with almost 300.000km experience...

Last sunday, the car just died on her. First battery light, then more lights, loss of powersteering (but still engine working) and then about 2min later the engine died. Roadside assistance said it was the alternator, borrowed her a battery to drive to their dispatch area where she left the car. The total drive was about 30min, but the battery light was on for maybe 5min total.

Today I picked up the car. They had charged her battery so I drove it home. Observations:
- Car drove fine for those 10 min (cold start fine as well).
- Measured charging voltage (at idle and at 3000rpm, also with all power consumers on): 14.2V ranging to 14.5V.
- Belt driving alternator is in good condition, but has a tiny nick out of it and the play between alternator and crankshaft pulley is about 2cm (using my fingers), so I would say it could use some more tension.
- Some minor signs of corrosion on the inside of the red plastic cover over the positive connector on the battery.

Questions:
- Could the issue be a sticking carbon brush (is that the right word?) in the alternator? The roadside mechanic did hit the alternator with a hammer, maybe causing it to jump back
- Where should I start looking?

 

u sure it was the alternator they hit? usually honda starters are known to fail and they like to bang on those.

 

I am sure. The issue was the engine dying, not any trouble starting (with a charged battery). Roadside assistance also stated the alternator was at fault.