update on emergency brake warning light
06-13-2006 | 10:35 PM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:zaKjg.5667$o4.280@newsread2.news.pas.earthlin k.net...
> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the way
>>> a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus that
>>> brake warning light was no longer on!!!
>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator. So I left
>>> the car there, and we'll see what happens tomorrow. I'll let you all
>>> know
>>> loner
>>
>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I mean the part
>> itself--labor is always expensive!
>
> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt) at places like
> www.slhonda.com and www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if
> the source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's just the
> brushes being too old and worn.
>
> Here's some info on the subject:
> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
>
> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
>
> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability is good it is
> they.
Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about 1 1/2 yrs old,
the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked through my old
invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I said, there's only 62,000 miles
on it, so probably the brushes haven't been replaced
I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they do say I need a
new Alternator, do you think that's a rip off? Should I ask for the brushes
to be replaced first, and see how it goes, then get an alternator if the new
brushes don't fix the problem?
Thanks again everybody--probably a new update tomorrow
loner
>
>
06-13-2006 | 11:17 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
>>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
>>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
>>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
>>>> light was no longer on!!!
>>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
>>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
>>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
>>>> loner
>>>
>>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
>>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
>>
>> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
>> at places like www.slhonda.com and
>> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
>> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
>> just the brushes being too old and worn.
>>
>> Here's some info on the subject:
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
>>
>> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
>>
>> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
>> is good it is they.
>
> Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> 1 1/2 yrs old,
Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
significantly reduce a battery's life.
But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
keep the battery charged.
> the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> brushes haven't been replaced
> I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> off?
No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
alternator.
Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
replacement in the course of those 20 years.
If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
Curly (among other regulars)?
> Should I ask for the brushes to be replaced first, and see
> how it goes, then get an alternator if the new brushes
> don't fix the problem?
> Thanks again everybody--probably a new update tomorrow
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
>>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
>>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
>>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
>>>> light was no longer on!!!
>>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
>>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
>>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
>>>> loner
>>>
>>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
>>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
>>
>> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
>> at places like www.slhonda.com and
>> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
>> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
>> just the brushes being too old and worn.
>>
>> Here's some info on the subject:
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
>>
>> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
>>
>> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
>> is good it is they.
>
> Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> 1 1/2 yrs old,
Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
significantly reduce a battery's life.
But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
keep the battery charged.
> the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> brushes haven't been replaced
> I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> off?
No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
alternator.
Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
replacement in the course of those 20 years.
If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
Curly (among other regulars)?
> Should I ask for the brushes to be replaced first, and see
> how it goes, then get an alternator if the new brushes
> don't fix the problem?
> Thanks again everybody--probably a new update tomorrow
06-13-2006 | 11:17 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
>>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
>>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
>>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
>>>> light was no longer on!!!
>>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
>>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
>>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
>>>> loner
>>>
>>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
>>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
>>
>> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
>> at places like www.slhonda.com and
>> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
>> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
>> just the brushes being too old and worn.
>>
>> Here's some info on the subject:
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
>>
>> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
>>
>> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
>> is good it is they.
>
> Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> 1 1/2 yrs old,
Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
significantly reduce a battery's life.
But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
keep the battery charged.
> the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> brushes haven't been replaced
> I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> off?
No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
alternator.
Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
replacement in the course of those 20 years.
If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
Curly (among other regulars)?
> Should I ask for the brushes to be replaced first, and see
> how it goes, then get an alternator if the new brushes
> don't fix the problem?
> Thanks again everybody--probably a new update tomorrow
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
>>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
>>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
>>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
>>>> light was no longer on!!!
>>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
>>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
>>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
>>>> loner
>>>
>>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
>>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
>>
>> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
>> at places like www.slhonda.com and
>> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
>> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
>> just the brushes being too old and worn.
>>
>> Here's some info on the subject:
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
>>
>> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
>>
>> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
>> is good it is they.
>
> Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> 1 1/2 yrs old,
Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
significantly reduce a battery's life.
But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
keep the battery charged.
> the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> brushes haven't been replaced
> I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> off?
No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
alternator.
Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
replacement in the course of those 20 years.
If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
Curly (among other regulars)?
> Should I ask for the brushes to be replaced first, and see
> how it goes, then get an alternator if the new brushes
> don't fix the problem?
> Thanks again everybody--probably a new update tomorrow
06-13-2006 | 11:17 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
>>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
>>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
>>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
>>>> light was no longer on!!!
>>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
>>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
>>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
>>>> loner
>>>
>>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
>>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
>>
>> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
>> at places like www.slhonda.com and
>> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
>> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
>> just the brushes being too old and worn.
>>
>> Here's some info on the subject:
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
>>
>> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
>>
>> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
>> is good it is they.
>
> Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> 1 1/2 yrs old,
Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
significantly reduce a battery's life.
But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
keep the battery charged.
> the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> brushes haven't been replaced
> I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> off?
No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
alternator.
Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
replacement in the course of those 20 years.
If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
Curly (among other regulars)?
> Should I ask for the brushes to be replaced first, and see
> how it goes, then get an alternator if the new brushes
> don't fix the problem?
> Thanks again everybody--probably a new update tomorrow
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
>>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
>>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
>>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
>>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
>>>> light was no longer on!!!
>>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
>>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
>>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
>>>> loner
>>>
>>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
>>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
>>
>> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
>> at places like www.slhonda.com and
>> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
>> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
>> just the brushes being too old and worn.
>>
>> Here's some info on the subject:
>> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
>>
>> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
>>
>> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
>> is good it is they.
>
> Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> 1 1/2 yrs old,
Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
significantly reduce a battery's life.
But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
keep the battery charged.
> the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> brushes haven't been replaced
> I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> off?
No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
alternator.
Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
replacement in the course of those 20 years.
If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
Curly (among other regulars)?
> Should I ask for the brushes to be replaced first, and see
> how it goes, then get an alternator if the new brushes
> don't fix the problem?
> Thanks again everybody--probably a new update tomorrow
06-13-2006 | 11:35 PM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
06-13-2006 | 11:35 PM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
06-13-2006 | 11:35 PM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
06-14-2006 | 12:16 AM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
news:Xns97E1F01FA6E80tegger@207.14.116.130...
> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
> news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
>> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
>> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
>
>
>
> Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> TeGGeR®
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
> www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong with
the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to start it this
morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead battery, even though my
battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th try, it started.
Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I had left the lights on
for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think the battery would run down
after such a short period. I got a jump & it was fine until this past
weekend-that's when the brake warning light came on,
What are other symptoms of a bad alternator? It hasn't been put in yet, so I
can call him first thing in the morning if I have other options. Thanks
again so much for your interest
loner
06-14-2006 | 12:16 AM
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
news:Xns97E1F01FA6E80tegger@207.14.116.130...
> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
> news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
>> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
>> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
>
>
>
> Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> TeGGeR®
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
> www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong with
the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to start it this
morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead battery, even though my
battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th try, it started.
Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I had left the lights on
for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think the battery would run down
after such a short period. I got a jump & it was fine until this past
weekend-that's when the brake warning light came on,
What are other symptoms of a bad alternator? It hasn't been put in yet, so I
can call him first thing in the morning if I have other options. Thanks
again so much for your interest
loner
06-14-2006 | 12:16 AM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"TeGGeR®" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in message
news:Xns97E1F01FA6E80tegger@207.14.116.130...
> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
> news:YLudnb5aF7d9_xLZnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't start, like the
>> way a dead battery sounds. I kept trying, it finally started Plus
>> that brake warning light was no longer on!!!
>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking alternator.
>
>
>
> Why? What did he do to arrive at this diagnosis?
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> TeGGeR®
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
> www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong with
the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to start it this
morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead battery, even though my
battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th try, it started.
Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I had left the lights on
for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think the battery would run down
after such a short period. I got a jump & it was fine until this past
weekend-that's when the brake warning light came on,
What are other symptoms of a bad alternator? It hasn't been put in yet, so I
can call him first thing in the morning if I have other options. Thanks
again so much for your interest
loner
06-14-2006 | 12:40 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
news:sM6dnVjd5_4REBLZnZ2dnUVZ_oydnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong
> with the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to
> start it this morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead
> battery, even though my battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th
> try, it started. Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I
> had left the lights on for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think
> the battery would run down after such a short period. I got a jump &
> it was fine until this past weekend-that's when the brake warning
> light came on,
>
> What are other symptoms of a bad alternator?
Under or overcharging, mostly.
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq5.htm#voltage
Your guy ought to know how to test the battery and charging system. It's
SOP for any good garage.
How did you check the brake light circuit? Did you try unplugging the
wiring at the master cylinder cap?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
news:sM6dnVjd5_4REBLZnZ2dnUVZ_oydnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong
> with the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to
> start it this morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead
> battery, even though my battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th
> try, it started. Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I
> had left the lights on for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think
> the battery would run down after such a short period. I got a jump &
> it was fine until this past weekend-that's when the brake warning
> light came on,
>
> What are other symptoms of a bad alternator?
Under or overcharging, mostly.
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq5.htm#voltage
Your guy ought to know how to test the battery and charging system. It's
SOP for any good garage.
How did you check the brake light circuit? Did you try unplugging the
wiring at the master cylinder cap?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
06-14-2006 | 12:40 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
news:sM6dnVjd5_4REBLZnZ2dnUVZ_oydnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong
> with the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to
> start it this morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead
> battery, even though my battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th
> try, it started. Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I
> had left the lights on for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think
> the battery would run down after such a short period. I got a jump &
> it was fine until this past weekend-that's when the brake warning
> light came on,
>
> What are other symptoms of a bad alternator?
Under or overcharging, mostly.
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq5.htm#voltage
Your guy ought to know how to test the battery and charging system. It's
SOP for any good garage.
How did you check the brake light circuit? Did you try unplugging the
wiring at the master cylinder cap?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
news:sM6dnVjd5_4REBLZnZ2dnUVZ_oydnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong
> with the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to
> start it this morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead
> battery, even though my battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th
> try, it started. Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I
> had left the lights on for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think
> the battery would run down after such a short period. I got a jump &
> it was fine until this past weekend-that's when the brake warning
> light came on,
>
> What are other symptoms of a bad alternator?
Under or overcharging, mostly.
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq5.htm#voltage
Your guy ought to know how to test the battery and charging system. It's
SOP for any good garage.
How did you check the brake light circuit? Did you try unplugging the
wiring at the master cylinder cap?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
06-14-2006 | 12:40 AM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
"the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote in
news:sM6dnVjd5_4REBLZnZ2dnUVZ_oydnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong
> with the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to
> start it this morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead
> battery, even though my battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th
> try, it started. Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I
> had left the lights on for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think
> the battery would run down after such a short period. I got a jump &
> it was fine until this past weekend-that's when the brake warning
> light came on,
>
> What are other symptoms of a bad alternator?
Under or overcharging, mostly.
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq5.htm#voltage
Your guy ought to know how to test the battery and charging system. It's
SOP for any good garage.
How did you check the brake light circuit? Did you try unplugging the
wiring at the master cylinder cap?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
news:sM6dnVjd5_4REBLZnZ2dnUVZ_oydnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> Hi Tegger--the only thing I know so far is that there is nothing wrong
> with the brake system (fluid, switch, wiring etc). When i tried to
> start it this morning, it wouldn't--it felt & sounded like a dead
> battery, even though my battery is 1 1/2 yrs old. After about the 7th
> try, it started. Coincidently or not, my battery died last week, but I
> had left the lights on for about 20 minutes & even then I didn't think
> the battery would run down after such a short period. I got a jump &
> it was fine until this past weekend-that's when the brake warning
> light came on,
>
> What are other symptoms of a bad alternator?
Under or overcharging, mostly.
http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq5.htm#voltage
Your guy ought to know how to test the battery and charging system. It's
SOP for any good garage.
How did you check the brake light circuit? Did you try unplugging the
wiring at the master cylinder cap?
--
TeGGeR®
The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
06-14-2006 | 12:44 AM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
Elle wrote:
>
> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> > "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> >> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> >> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
> >>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> >>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
> >>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
> >>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
> >>>> light was no longer on!!!
> >>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
> >>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
> >>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
> >>>> loner
> >>>
> >>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
> >>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
> >>
> >> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
> >> at places like www.slhonda.com and
> >> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
> >> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
> >> just the brushes being too old and worn.
> >>
> >> Here's some info on the subject:
> >> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
> >>
> >> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
> >>
> >> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
> >> is good it is they.
> >
> > Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> > 1 1/2 yrs old,
>
> Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
> significantly reduce a battery's life.
>
> But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
> keep the battery charged.
>
> > the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> > through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> > said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> > brushes haven't been replaced
> > I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> > do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> > off?
>
> No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
> brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
> alternator.
>
> Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
>
> ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
> replacement in the course of those 20 years.
>
> If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
> just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
> doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
> last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
>
> This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
> alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
> a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
> shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
> thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
> Curly (among other regulars)?
>
Personally, I've generally opted for a rebuilt alternator (with a decent
warranty) as bearings, diodes etc. become a factor after a significant
period of time. Besides, I tend to be lazy at times...
JT
06-14-2006 | 12:44 AM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: update on emergency brake warning light
Elle wrote:
>
> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> > "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> >> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> >> about an 89 Civic DX sedan
> >>> "the loner" <theloner@nowhere.com> wrote
> >>>> Wento to go to mechanics this morning, car wouldn't
> >>>> start, like the way a dead battery sounds. I kept
> >>>> trying, it finally started Plus that brake warning
> >>>> light was no longer on!!!
> >>>> Took it to mechanic anyway---so far he's thinking
> >>>> alternator. So I left the car there, and we'll see what
> >>>> happens tomorrow. I'll let you all know
> >>>> loner
> >>>
> >>> BTW, in general, are alternators really expensive? I
> >>> mean the part itself--labor is always expensive!
> >>
> >> You can get a price on the alternator (possibly rebuilt)
> >> at places like www.slhonda.com and
> >> www.hondaautomotiveparts.com . Like Curly said, if if the
> >> source of the problem is the alternator, most likely it's
> >> just the brushes being too old and worn.
> >>
> >> Here's some info on the subject:
> >> http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html
> >>
> >> How old are your alternator and battery, anyway?
> >>
> >> If the brushes have never been replaced, the probability
> >> is good it is they.
> >
> > Hi again Elle. thenks for the links. The battery is about
> > 1 1/2 yrs old,
>
> Done any jumpstarts on it? My site talks about how this will
> significantly reduce a battery's life.
>
> But it's more likely the alternator's brushes can no longer
> keep the battery charged.
>
> > the alternator has brobably never been replaced. I looked
> > through my old invoices & couldn't find anyting, but as I
> > said, there's only 62,000 miles on it, so probably the
> > brushes haven't been replaced
> > I'll call them tomorrow am and ask about all this. If they
> > do say I need a new Alternator, do you think that's a rip
> > off?
>
> No, not necessarily. ISTM the labor it takes to do just the
> brushes can approach the total cost of replacing the whole
> alternator.
>
> Other parts go bad on alternators, just not as often.
>
> ISTM a car kept 20 years should need at least one alternator
> replacement in the course of those 20 years.
>
> If one is a do-it-yourselfer and has the time, then doing
> just the brushes makes sense. This is not so for someone who
> doesn't work much on cars and wants a repair that will (1)
> last; (2) not lead to throwing good money after bad.
>
> This is my rough impression, based on only one personal
> alternator experience, a little exploration on brushes, and
> a lot of reading. I am really not sure how often independent
> shops are willing to do 'just the brushes.' Look for others'
> thoughts on this. Tegger, Socalmike, Michael Pardee, JT,
> Curly (among other regulars)?
>
Personally, I've generally opted for a rebuilt alternator (with a decent
warranty) as bearings, diodes etc. become a factor after a significant
period of time. Besides, I tend to be lazy at times...
JT