(2012 Honda Fit Sport, 125 K miles)

Yesterday the "check charge system" indicator flickered on and off a few times while on the highway.

To investigate, I connected a voltmeter to the cigarette lighter. I started the car and turned on the headlights, rear window defrost, and ventilation fan (defrost position, high speed) to create electrical load. Driving around town, the voltage fluctuated between 12.5 and 14.5 volts.

Once on the highway, the voltage dropped to 11.5 volts and slowly decreased (over 20 minutes) to 10.9 volts, at which point the "check charge system" indicator came on and stayed on.

Once back in town, the voltage increased and fluctuated between 12.5 and 14.5 volts, except under heavy acceleration when it would momentarily drop. The "check charging system" indicator turned off after a few minutes.

Once home, with the engine not running, the battery voltage was 12.7 volts.

The battery is one year old (Walmart, so probably not top quality). The battery terminal connections are tight and free of corrosion.

I'm thinking it's the ELD, since the in-town voltage range suggests the alternator is capable of delivering 14.5 volts. Does this make sense? Any other possibilities?

Thanks!
David

 

Your alternator is going out. And those are $1,100 plus labor at Honda for a replacement.

 

Rock auto is probably your friend...

 

Yeah, after doing some more research, I agree it looks like an alternator problem.

Very similar symptoms to mine...
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...nator-bad.html
...turned out to be an alternator issue.

Thanks.
David

 

You can get an alternator monitor that fits into your cigarette lighter that gives you a continuous reading of you charge. They only cost a few dollars. Just get a new alternator and replace the old one.

 

1100.00 not bad at all
i called my dealer for some honda oem floor mats and got a price of 600,00 out the door

Rick

 

Rock Auto has many offerings sub $200 with a core return requirement. That would have been a good deal.