I have a 2005 Pilot that I love. What a vehicle. It's got 24K miles on it (mostly city driving). The last month or so I've noticed dimming of the headlights when the defrost AC compressor kicks in ... more so than I thought was normal. So I had a local non-Honda mechanic look at it while doing an oil change -- at a well respected local shop here in Cary. They said the alternator failed a load test and was putting out 20 Amps and the minimum spec was 87 Amps. That local mechanic recommended I take it to Honda since it was still under warrantee and get the alternator replaced.

I took it in yesterday to Honda and told the Honda service man all about the problem and left the detailed diagnosis from the other mechanic with him. Just talked with him today and he told me that the alternator is passing their load test with 14.03 Volts. I said what about an amp test and he said Honda doesn't do those as part of an alternator's load test. I know the difference between volts and amps. Seems like both would/should be done for an accurate load test but I'm not a mechanic and would like y'alls expert opinion.

Am I being fed a load of bull? If so, what should I do about it? I'm not saying the Honda guy is wrong, just want your opinion because I'm quite suspicious.

BTW, my Honda service guy is not in Cary, it's another spot near here. Feel free to leave me an email with your private comments if you don't wish to reply to the forum.
Thanks
Dan Jackson in Cary, NC

Modified by DanInCaryNC at 8:27 PM 1/23/2008


Modified by DanInCaryNC at 11:42 PM 1/23/2008

 

This forum is worthless