The following describes my situation with my daughters 2004 Honda Civic LX. I had to drive from NJ to DE 3 times to try and rescue her, because her Civic wouldn't start. Her battery wouldn't charge, no matter how many alternators I installed in the vehicle. I decided to change the ELD as well, but the first one I bought was the wrong one (the shape of the plug area didn't match the plug on the vehicle), so consequently I couldn't install the new ELD. I tried to return it, but they refused. I argued that it was never installed, since it was the incorrect one for the vehicle, but they didn't care. Long story short, it WAS the alternator. You just can't install ANY alternator, it has to be a HONDA part (at $608 a pop). I discussed this with the parts person, and he admitted that they had good luck with DENSO alternators. So I was able to get one from EBAY, and the car is now working as it should.
This is a copy of what I sent to HONDA, to complain about their service. I don't know where most of you all live, but if you are ever in Newark DE, take a ride past the HONDA service center. If there was ever any doubt in my mind about where HONDA makes their money, this convinced me. They make some money when selling a vehicle, but the pure profit is in service. This place should have it's own zip code it is so huge. ANyway, this is what I wrote to them. Still haven't received a reply, but I am hopeful. Anyone else have this experience?
My daughters Civic kept breaking down with a no charge/no start condition. I replaced the alternator and battery several times, but could not get the car to charge the battery. This happened several times in a two week period, and required that I rescue her by driving to Delaware from South NJ. In the end I decided that since there was a TSB on the ELD component in the fuse box, I would replace it as well. I drove to the Martin Dealership 1364 Marrows rd. in Newark DE to get the part. It cost $60. I asked several times and they assured me this was the part for my car. Well, when I returned to my daughters car, I found that the part would not fit. The plug would not go into the part. Obviously it was the wrong one. Since I don't live in DE, I waited until my next trip there, and attempted to return the part. The parts person stated that his manager told him that they do not accept returns on electrical parts. I understand this, and can see the reason why. However, this part was NEVER installed, and was sold to me with the understanding that it was the correct part for my vehicle. So now I am stuck with a part I cannot use, and I am out $60. When I asked to see the manager, he stated that he wasn't available (he was too busy at the ajoining Kia dealership lololol). The parts person took my phone number and assured me the manager would call me. Well, if you believe THAT, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I would like to sell you. He never called.
The end of the story is that I bought ANOTHER ELD and installed it, since the Honda dealership in Turnersville NJ had the correct part. The problem with the car turned out to be the alternator after all. I found out that you cannot use ANY other alternator other than a Honda OEM part. I was able to find a DENSO alternator on-line that solved the problem.
Honda used to be a reliable, trusted auto manufacturer. Not anymore. Between the electrical problems (especially after I learned how the ELD system works, my God why would you ever design and install something like that AND have a defective part in the circuit), and the CVT transmissions, I wouldn't ever think of purchasing a Honda ever. And my daughter is now looking for another car, since her's is so old. I told her NO MORE HONDAS. I am 66 years old and spent 3 days outside in the winter weather trying to fix her car.
So my question to you is, should I just eat the $60 loss on the incorrect part? Perhaps I should just give it back to the parts department, and they can sell it to someone else, and steal their $60. A whole new profit center for your business. What a concept. Obviously, I want to return this part, and get my $60 back. Thank you for your time