Charging system works only after 10min. driving?!?

[Nick]

Charging System quandry:

Situation:
Honda Crv 2004 charging issue

Basic Symptoms:
First 10 minutes of driving, the battery light fliquers on instrument dash display, Battery voltage dips to 11.5V. Then at approx. the 10 minute mark, alternator kicks in, battery light disappears, and voltage increases slowly from 11.6V to 14.15V. Problem has been static for past month.

Background details:
Battery is new and good (Voltage holds at 12.6V) Belt tension is good.

So how is it possible that an alternator would act that way?! BTW alternators at this vintage (10 year old honda CRVs don’t have alternator issues according to Honda)are rarely replaced. Honda parts guy suggested to change the ELD (Electronic Load Detector) in the underhood fusebox (the ELD communicates with the alternator and the ECU/PCM and can regulate the alternator.) Is that a wild goose chase?

The alternator location in a Crv actually is difficult to reach for a voltage test at its B-terminal without removing the power steering pump/tensioner first. So if you have any thoughts on this, it would be much appreciated.

Nick

Topic

[college man]

If the battery terminals are clean and tight. Check the
output of the alternator at start up.if the voltage is not
between 13.6-14.4 replace the alternator with a Honda replacement.

https://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems

[twiggy]

Try measuring the alternator voltage right at the alternator, not the battery and see if it is different.

[Bill]

Are you sure the belt is tight and in good condition? I have seen belts that slip with a cold engine and started gripping the pulley when warmed up. sometimes they squeal but not always.

[Nick]

Tension is fine, and pulley is turning on alternator.

also can’t reach the alternator for testing Voltage at source :angry:

Anyone know anything about the ELD? (Electric Load Detector) that supposedly communicates the alternator with the ECU/PCM and has the ability to regulate the alternator output.

[college man]

If there is no code/cel for the eld. I would leave it alone.

[Author]

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