Good afternoon all,

So unfortunate turn of events this weekend. MDX died on the Mrs while we were on out of town. I ended up getting a new battery and a new alternator from AutoZone that was remanufactured (only one available) to get back home.

Spent the next 6 hours installing it with my dad and it was a PITA. All seemed well until this morning. As I started driving, the check charging system light would flash during braking. I went back to Autozone to return the core and test out the system. Both battery and alternator tested good/pass. With that, I was able to make the 3 hour drive home, but still have this check charging system light flashing.

Any tips?

 

 

I read the belt tension could be an issue. The belt Im running only has about 6k om it (changed with last service). It was very tight to get off and on, so I don't think it's tension. I ended up checking all fuses and they seem to be ok. Just completed an oil change and reset the Maintenance minder, so we'll see if there were any improvements.

 

So, I cleared all codes yesterday and thought all is well. Left work this evening and the check charging system was flashing again intermittently. I called my Indy mechanic and explained the issue and he bet it's the refurbished AutoZone alternator. Bringing it in tomorrow to test and then swap for a Denso/OEM equivalent alternator.

 

Hi nats007,

What ended up being the problem?

I am having the same issue, it died. changed alternator, battery, and even a relay. "Check Charging System" still flashes a lot.

 

did you check tension on the belt/ replace the tensioner or the belt itself?

 

Can you elaborate a bit?

Which belt? Serpentine?

 

yes, other wise known as the accessory belt...it drives the accessories...the accessory belt loops or wraps around the alternator.


or like the original poster found out, it may have been a faulty alternator.

 

Issue was the remanufactured alternator. I replaced with a new OEM Denso, returned the remanufactured alternator, and no issues since.

For these vehicles, I'd stay away from remanufactured alternators if possible.

 

Stay away from aftermarket alternators. Honda factory reman parts are totally fine.