https://www.dropbox.com/s/deuhctp9qn...ystem.MOV?dl=0
So I am having this problem with my 2010 Acura TL, please be patient with me as I try to give you all the details. The issue I am having started on Sept 15th when the “Check Charging System” alert came on and my car died on the side of the road. I took the car directly to a mechanic and had the alternator replaced while I was out of town. The car was returned to me on the 18th and the very next day the same “Check Charging System” alert came on. This time around though, it would only come on for a spilt second and turn off again. The alert would come on sporadically through the day (I.E. the video attached). On the 20th, I drop it off yet again to the mechanic to be checked. This time he did a more thorough check and changed the alternator again. I picked up the car and 2 days later (now the 23rd) the alert went off AGAIN! Thankfully this time around I was able to catch it on video. Another visit to my mechanic and this time he changes the battery; Got it back on the 25th. All the while, this alert is only showing up for me and not the mechanic so it’s getting frustrating for both parties. On the 26th I get the alert again and of course drop it BACK OFF AT THE MECHANIC, this time he drives it around for 2 days and nothing. In hopes that maybe what I needed was a second opinion I take it to another mechanic (Honda tech), he drives it around for a couple days and nothing. The Honda tech does an alternator test, comes back as a bad alternator. I take the car back to the first mechanic and tell him the results that I received from the Honda tech. He checks it and says that the alternator is fine and at this point the light has yet to come back on again. I’m at a dead end. I drive my car again from the 7th to the 9th with no issue. On the 9th, I took it to advanced auto to get the alternator tested and the test came back good. The 10th, I get the light again as I parked the car. As you can probably imagine I’m frustrated out of my mind! If anyone has had this same problem, what was wrong? Or if any mechanics know what the problem is, please help me!!!

 

if your battery is slowly dying its putting a strain on the alternator to keep it charged. I would check for any parasitic drain on the battery. The bluetooth module is a known finicky issue. Maybe a wiring issue? I replaced the bluetooth module on my tl recently and it solved the constand HFL dropping link with phone issue. Plus i was worried about the HFL causing a drain even when the car was off.

 

I just changed my alternator couple days ago after hearing the whining noise...
1. Do you have any aftermarket audio system on the car.
2. Did you replace it with an aftermarket alternator or oem one?
3. Was it remanufactured or new , new ones run around $900 I got a remanufactured one .. either way you still have warranty just check back with the mechanic.

 

I too Have this problem, I replaced the alt in july and had both the battery and alt tested last week and both are testing good. I've noticed however that it happens when I hit the brakes and I'm at lower speeds, such as 20 to 40 mph. So far my car hasnt died or anything but it's concerning me that It might at any time, regardless I'm definitely keeping my jumper cables on me at all times!

 

I never trust those testers. I'm not sure on the tolerances but i have had alternators, starters, batteries test "GOOD" but it still ended up being the culprit. Low speed = either alternator is bad, or the pulley is bad, or the belt isn't having enough tension to drive the alternator properly.

 

I had that error as well but it ended up being a loose cable on the battery. I'd guess that's probably not it based on having the battery replaced. Might want to look at the cables either way. Make sure the ground cable and positive to the starter are solid - no corrosion and not loose.

 

 

Yes I was able to get it fixed. The alternator was the cause. The one they put on wasn't putting the right voltage out. Once I got it rereplaced I havnt had the issue since. I would check whoever put it in and see what kind of warrenty you have on it. The voltage should be above 14 at engine idle. mine was right below at like 13.5, which was enough to throw a code when the engine returns to idle, be at during gear changing or hitting the brakes. Hope this helps

 

Sorry to bring this back but I'm in the same situation right now. I installed a new aftermarket alternator and now I'm getting the same annoying light every so often. Did it go away by installing an OEM alternator?

 

well, get the alternator checked out.
the person you quoted gave you great information...if voltage of the alternator dips below 14volts, you will have a bad time.
it could be a faulty alternator, or it could be the "aftermarket" one. who knows, until you check it out.

 

Can you please tell us what year, model, trans, mileage you have?
Our answers depend on this information.

 

2012 TL with 96k miles. I'm pretty sure it's the alternator cause I'm only getting 13.4 V at idle and I got a new battery last year. I just wanted know if this guy had success with an OEM alternator instead of me getting another aftermarket one because installing it myself was a pain in the ass and I'd rather not do it 3 times.

 

Use a reman denso unit from rockauto.com and you'll be fine. don't forget the 5% off coupon.

 

alternators are like the easiest thing to install!
the more you do it, the better you are at it!

But I wouldnt go OEM because of the cost..
I would do a re-man. I got an Autozone remanufactured one!

 

- Also recommend Denso reman alternator from:
RockAuto.com
NAPA (local store), about $100 more than RockAuto
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- Acura issued a TSB for "MID Shows BATTERY CHARGE LOW"
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B12-013.PDF

See if your VIN applies
Applies To: 2012 TL 2WD – From VIN 19UUA8...CA000001 thru 19UUA8...CA008239
2012 TL SH-WD – From VIN 19UUA9...CA000001 thru 19UUA9...CA002516