How does a faulty alternator affect the battery life of a Honda City?

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How does a faulty alternator affect the battery life of a Honda City?

A malfunctioning alternator can either undercharge o r overcharge the battery, leading to premature battery failure. How can owners differentiate between a weak battery and a failing alternator, and what tests can be done to confirm the issue?

Lubaba asked on 26 Feb 2025 16:17:58 pm

1 Answer

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Car Mechanic Expert - on 26 Feb 2025 16:29:39 pm

A faulty alternator can negatively impact the battery in two ways: undercharging o r overcharging. If the alternator is undercharging the battery, it won’t be able to keep the battery fully charged, causing the battery to discharge faster than it can recharge. On the other hand, if the alternator is overcharging the battery, it can lead to excessive heat, which damages the battery’s internal components and reduces its lifespan. To differentiate between a weak battery and a failing alternator, owners can perform tests, such as checking the voltage output at the battery terminals. If the voltage is too low o r too high, it suggests an alternator problem rather than a battery issue.