2014 RDX with 357,200 miles

I have a history of alternator trouble with 2 replacements so far.

Over the last 10 days I started getting messages about charging system, steering, etc.. checked battery connections, tightened. Went away. Came back and yesterday it simply died. AAA checked battery (3+ years old) and it showed 10v. AAA jumped and it showed 11v. Went to Autozone, got new Duralast battery and I replaced it. Started up fine. A day later, I am getting the dreaded "Check charging System" message (but no other message). Checked battery and it is showing good status. I see the red battery light on. I am guessing it is the alternator again. Am I right in thinking this is alternator issue since the battery is a day old? Thanks.

 

What alternator did you replace it with? Have you replaced the belt or tensioner?

 

Replaced it with Duralast alternator from Autozone. The dealer didn't have OEM one in stock.
Belt, tensioner were not replaced. Dealer didn't say I had to. Is this required?
Last time I replaced those was when I had the timing belt service.

 

I'd replace it with an OE equivalent: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=2412&jsn=810

And when was the TB service? If tension isn't properly applied, it can cause the alternator to not produce full power

 

Checked the battery voltage with imprecise battery checker. (can't find my multimeter) It showed 12v (50%). When I started the engine it showed 11.5v (Low). That would mean alternator is a problem right. Otherwise the voltage reading would have gone up to 13 to 14. I am gonna get a multimeter tomorrow to check for precise voltage readings.

The last time I had to change alternator was due to oil leak from spool valve assembly that sits above it. I had that replaced. Checked for oil leak today from the valve. Don't see any.

 

Last TB service was shortly before Covid. Don't recall how many miles at that time. Probably due now.

 

Ordered the alternator, belt and tensioner from Rock Auto. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

Found multimeter.

Cleaned the battery terminal ends and applied grease.
Battery reads 12.27.
Started engine, battery reads 11.90. And 11.60 under load when I turn on A/C and headlights.

 

Duralast this is garbage that was just installed in order to temporarily fix and sell the car.
I always install used OEM. It's cheap and reliable.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/36439139529...temCondition=4

 

Seems like you've figured this out already, but I'd suspect your alternator is bad as well.

I used to recommend Denso off Rockauto, though in the past couple months, I got back-to-back defective alternators for a '12 Pilot off rockauto. Super disappointing that QC is in the dumps for remanufactured parts like these now.

It's anecdotal on my part, but do with that info what you will.

 

What does the charging system measure....? Get yourself one of these as a minimum. And you should be seeing 14 to 14.4V.

 

And when getting a rebuilt alternator, even from the brand names, it is important to see what they actually replace...usually very little.

They smooth out the slip rings and those are thin to start with and should really be replaced (I replace those when doing a rebuild). They install new brushes which is usually part of the voltage regulator and the two bearings. Nickle and dime stuff and they charge you a lot for a rebuild.

 

What is the name of this?
I am seeing 11.8 (using multimeter) under load which leads me to believe alternator is shot.

 

Off Amazon for under $20. Plus it has two USB ports for charging. Some other models go for less.




Looks like it.

 

Could a blown fuse cause the alternator to not charge the battery? If yes, where is the fuse and what number? Thanks.

 

Rock Auto finally delivered the alternator, belt, tensioner.

Now, i can't get into my car as battery is dead. I tried using the key to manually open the door. That doesn't open the door.

How do I open the door?

 

​​​​​​Have you tried jumping it long enough to get power just for unlocking the door?

 

How do I jump it when I can't open the door and then release the hood?

 

Never mind about this. Had AAA open the door, jump the car long enough to get it on the truck and towed away.
One more alternator episode, I am buying a Lexus RX.

 

Does anyone use one of the AGM batteries like Interstate battery 24F AGM?

Any other brand that is better than Duralast?

The shop says my current battery won't hold charge.

 

I put an EverStart battery from Walmart last fall. They are highly rated. I would not waste money on an AGM battery. You won't see a benefit plus it's almost double the price of the EverStart battery.