2003 Accord Euro Electrical problems

[manolii]

Hi guys my friend is having a major issue with his 2003 Honda Accord Euro. This is his story:

"The other day I was driving along and realised my airbag light was on. I pulled over in a side street and turned off they car then back on to see if that fixed the problem. However the car would not start as if the battery was dead. I managed to kick start it and my airbag light would then only come on when the motor was not revving, ie at a complete stop or with my clutch in. I thought my battery might have been dead so I continued driving to charge it up. While travelling at 70km/h it began to rain heavily so I turned my lights on. The instant I did this all electronics lost power. My dash speedometer shot to 0km/h, fuel gage, rev gage and stereo all turned off. Turning off my lights restored power to all components."

I have suggested changing the alternator, Any suggestions on what it could be?

[Lazarus]

I had a similar problem where my electricals went out whilst driving, it could be the battery and/or alternator, but my problem stemmed from some wiring issues under the fuse box...
hopefully it's something minor...test out the alternator / battery to make sure they're the issue or not...good luck! keep us posted

[Lenovo]

This seems to be a recurring problem with the 2003 model.

Try changing the grounding cable. It worked for me when I had a similar problem. Either that or there are a few other things that have been suggested:

- Ignition relay, switch, barrell
- Alternator (or just the bushes)
- Alternator pulley to belt drive
- Multiplex bus
- Regulator
- Fuses (the alternator fuse is, I believe, 85A and can sometimes crack and be faulty without this being obvious)

Honda said they thought it was my "non-Honda" bluetooth unit that was causing the problem and that they would have to take the radio out so it would cost $286AUD. They said they weren't sure if that would fix it so the next thing to do would be to change the ECU and that would cost $2000AUD.

Very glad I came onto the forums and found out a lot before giving the go ahead to Honda.

[manolii]

Thanks guys, problem fixed, got the alternator reconditioned on car is running well

[GU357]

Sorry to bring this back but my friends alternator failed her couple weeks back she got it fixxed at Honda and just listened to what they said and then replied yes.
Cost her 1400 for new alternator...
Sound abt right?

[Lazarus]

Total rip

[GU357]

thought so...
unfortunately she has an english understanding equivalent of her rocket science understanding.

[Lazarus]

That sucks =[

[vlakamalaka]

This thread was for my car. Cost me $900 for a reconditioned one from Honda. That included diagnostics, installation and all that jazz. Probably got ripped off but I needed it done fairly quickly. From memory they quoted roughly $2000 for a brand new one. I know another accord euro owner who had the same problem and got his done for $600. Must be a common problem.

[GU357]

must be. alright thanks.