Hello fellow NSX owners,
I recently had a strange electrical experience that I pass along - maybe it will help someone in the future.
I have stored my NSX in a garage with a battery tender (a CTEK model) since I didn't drive it often (5000 miles in nine years - yes, a crime!). Some time ago the battery must have given out. The tender tried to keep up but obviously couldn't. I replaced the battery but noticed the cable clamps were destroyed so I had those replaced too. I did not replace cables - man those things are expensive, and the positive cable looks like a real challenge to replace.
After all this some really strange things happened. One a few occasions the engine would cut for an instant; my only indication was that all of the warning lights would indicate. After a week I noticed it was really hard starting - I had to leave the throttle open cranking and hold it there. I never had to do that as in the past only turning the key would allow the engine to crank and start.
I checked this site as well as a general search of the internet. The general conclusion was that either the main (ignition) switch had poor contacts, or there was a really poor cable connection somewhere. I ordered a new switch and checked ground and positive connections - all of the connections were tight with absolutely no evidence of corrosion.
While waiting for the switch to arrive I noticed a new symptom - a strange moan from the alternator but only at speed. I didn't sense it at idle. Voltage appeared good - 14 plus generally with maybe a small dip to about 13.5 when really warm with the air conditioner running full tilt. At this time I did not see the electrical indicator light come on. Based on more research I also ordered an alternator. I did not get a new one - another very expensive so called "Honda" part, but was able to source a rebuild.
When it came I was between disappointed and hopping mad as the box was no more than a colored ball of tape. Removing the alternator confirmed everything as the pully would not turn - the unit had been dropped so hard that the frame was bent!
Based on curiosity and my anger I removed the moaning alternator from the car and tore it apart, removing the regulator and diodes (note to any users who are tempted to do the same - go for it; its extremely easy!) I swapped the regulator, diodes and brushes from the purchased unit and installed in my unit. After bolting everything back I tested and found the following:
- My car now starts at the first twist of the key again.
- No more strange moaning.
- I still see a small voltage dip when hot but nothing that interferes.
I don't know how the bad alternator caused all this; maybe there is an expert out there that can explain it. But like I stated in the beginning, I did not see anything like this in our archives so I present it as a learning experience that may help one of us.
Enjoy.
Kyle
I recently had a strange electrical experience that I pass along - maybe it will help someone in the future.
I have stored my NSX in a garage with a battery tender (a CTEK model) since I didn't drive it often (5000 miles in nine years - yes, a crime!). Some time ago the battery must have given out. The tender tried to keep up but obviously couldn't. I replaced the battery but noticed the cable clamps were destroyed so I had those replaced too. I did not replace cables - man those things are expensive, and the positive cable looks like a real challenge to replace.
After all this some really strange things happened. One a few occasions the engine would cut for an instant; my only indication was that all of the warning lights would indicate. After a week I noticed it was really hard starting - I had to leave the throttle open cranking and hold it there. I never had to do that as in the past only turning the key would allow the engine to crank and start.
I checked this site as well as a general search of the internet. The general conclusion was that either the main (ignition) switch had poor contacts, or there was a really poor cable connection somewhere. I ordered a new switch and checked ground and positive connections - all of the connections were tight with absolutely no evidence of corrosion.
While waiting for the switch to arrive I noticed a new symptom - a strange moan from the alternator but only at speed. I didn't sense it at idle. Voltage appeared good - 14 plus generally with maybe a small dip to about 13.5 when really warm with the air conditioner running full tilt. At this time I did not see the electrical indicator light come on. Based on more research I also ordered an alternator. I did not get a new one - another very expensive so called "Honda" part, but was able to source a rebuild.
When it came I was between disappointed and hopping mad as the box was no more than a colored ball of tape. Removing the alternator confirmed everything as the pully would not turn - the unit had been dropped so hard that the frame was bent!
Based on curiosity and my anger I removed the moaning alternator from the car and tore it apart, removing the regulator and diodes (note to any users who are tempted to do the same - go for it; its extremely easy!) I swapped the regulator, diodes and brushes from the purchased unit and installed in my unit. After bolting everything back I tested and found the following:
- My car now starts at the first twist of the key again.
- No more strange moaning.
- I still see a small voltage dip when hot but nothing that interferes.
I don't know how the bad alternator caused all this; maybe there is an expert out there that can explain it. But like I stated in the beginning, I did not see anything like this in our archives so I present it as a learning experience that may help one of us.
Enjoy.
Kyle
