My 2005 Acura TSX Alternator Died

So it happened, my alternator died leaving me dead on the road in the rain last Thursday, February 6, 2014. My day started out normal, wake up, get ready for work, and jumped in the car to drive to work. Not even a quarter mile into, I see the battery icon light up. I thought to myself, "I don't think this means the battery is low because I have had to change a low battery before and this never popped up before." Maybe it's just a false warning. I work only about 5 miles away so I get to work without any issues. Told myself that I will look up this indicator light when I'm at my desk, but never actually do because of the busy day and totally forget about it.

Fast forward about 8 hours, I jump back into my car and start it. Again the battery light is on! So it's probably not a false warning but I don't really know exactly what this light is warning me about, something battery/electrical related. I start heading home, but it's rush hour in the rain, and for some reason most San Diegans are terrible drivers in the rain. All of a sudden, my radio goes silence. I thought to myself, is it just this station or is it my radio? Checked the next station... no sound... Quickly turned off the radio and started to make my way to the left lane in case I am going to breakdown. As I was thinking that, my fuel and temperature gauges drop all the way down to zero. About a minute later, my dash fully lights up! I don't know what's exactly going on, but I told myself, "You need to pull over into this parking lot!"

I parked somewhere out in the open in case I needed to jump my car. I texted my fiancee and brother, both who didn't respond right away. My plan was to wait for traffic to die and try to make it 4 miles home. As I was waiting around, I was googling on my phone the battery indicator. Basically, the internet didn't tell me anything new: electrical problem most-likely alternator. My fiancee finally got back to me about 30 minutes later asking what I wanted her to do. I told her I wanted to drive it home after traffic died down, but as I was saying that, it occurred to me that even if I get it home, it might be stuck there and I will probably need to tow it to my mechanic anyways. So now I wanted to wait until traffic died and drive it to my mechanic, which was about 7 miles away, 6 of which are on the freeway.

My fiancee picks me up and we eat dinner while waiting for the traffic to die down. I get jumper cables out of my car after getting back to it. They're basically part of my bug out bag in my car. I used my fiancee's car to charge my battery. After what seemed like a long time, but was really only 20 mins, we headed out. The plan was to have her drive behind me to block car if anything happened.

After waiting at the first light for 3 mins, which seemed like forever, all the symptoms of electrical problems appeared again! However, this time there was another symptom, my car couldn't really move when I stepped on the gas! My engine revved but I wasn't going anywhere. I played with changing the gears for a little bit and somehow my car started rolling again. I accelerated to the next light and I could see that my headlights are out. So my dash is basically all dead, car isn't going when I tell it to, my headlights are out, all in the rain. There's no way I'm getting on the freeway like this, I need to pull over and get this towed! So I turned off onto a side street to try to turn into the first parking lot I see... but I couldn't make it. My car died at the intersection to the parking lot. :( The lucky thing was I was no longer on the main road, and I wasn't caught in the middle of the intersection. My fiancee pulls up next to me and I start charging my battery again, just trying to make into the parking lot. As the battery was charging, I called a tow truck, $45 hook plus $5 per mile.

The tow truck arrived moderately fast, took about 30 minutes. I towed my car to my mechanic, the tow guy knew where it was. After paying the tow truck, I took my car key off my ring and threw it in my mechanic's mailbox. I thought to myself, I couldn't drive it for 4 miles, good luck to anyone who wants to steal it and drive 4 miles.

The next day, I worked from home and called my mechanic to tell him what's up. He said he would check the battery and alternator and would call me back. As promised, I received his phone call and told me my alternator is bad and I would need a new battery too. $275 for the alternator and $100 for the battery so $375 installed. I asked what happened and his response over the phone was "the battery is too strong and it killed the alternator". I didn't really get it but the conversation ended there.

I picked up my car the next day and wanted to clarify what he meant about the battery being too strong because I changed my battery at Walmart 2 years ago and this is they battery they said went with my car. He told me when he tested my alternator, it was smoking. When he tested my battery it was about 14 volts. The battery is supposed to be around 12 volts. He said the alternator was overworked because it always needed to charge the "strong" battery.

I bought my 2005 Acura TSX in the December of 2005.

1st Gen Acura TSX Technical Service Bulletins

I started to capture TSBs on this site, but it takes forever and there are other sites out there that do a better job. I don't want to reinvent the wheel, for example, AcuraZine has a comprehensive TSB list for the first generation Acura TSX.

Includes the following issues:

TSB 00-037 : Brake Disk Refinishing Guidelines Applies to all models

TSB 03-009 : 2004 Acura Paint Codes Applies to all 2004 models

TSB 03-010 : OBD II DTCs and Their Associated Monitors Applies to all OBD II equipped models

TSB 03-011 : 2004 TSX TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 03-012 : Immobilizer System (Type 4) Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 03-013 : TL and TSX TQI of the DVD Navigational System with Voice Recognition Applies to all 2004 & 2005 TSX models with Navi

TSB 03-024 : 2004 Acura Paint Codes Applies to all 2004 models

TSB 04-004 : Updating the Honda Interface Module (HIM) Model 3557-0100-00 Applies to all models

TSB 04-012 : Product Update - Out of Specification Automatic Transmission Case Applies to 2004 TSX with VIN in the following range: JH4CL96..4C025689 to JH4CL96..4C028611

TSB 04-021 : Warranty Extension - Audio-HVAC Display is Dim or Dark Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 04-024 : Buzzing from the Front Door Panels or Speakers Applies to 2004 TSX with VIN in the following range: JH4CL9...4C000001 to JH4CL9...4C016871

TSB 04-026 : Safety Recall - TSX Rear Wire Harness Applies to 2004 TSX with VIN in the following range: JH4CL9...4C000070 to JH4CL9...4C040281

TSB 04-041 : Moisture in the Headlight Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 04-042 : Rattle from the A-Pillar Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 05-014 : Child Seat Anchor Location Button is Missing Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 05-015 : Rear Stabilizer Link is Broken Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 05-018 : Navigation System DVD Information and Inspection Applies to all 2004-07 TSX models

TSB 05-032 : 2006 Acura Paint Codes, Exterior and Interior Color Code Locations Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 05-041 : 2006 TSX - TQI of the DVD Navigation System with Voice Recognition Applies to all 2006 TSX models with Navi

TSB 05-046 : 2006 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 06-001 : Audio, Navigation, and RES Unit In-Warranty Exchange, and Audio and DVD Player Out-of-Warranty Repair Applies to all models

TSB 06-002 : Front Subframe Removal Adapter Applies to all 2004-06 TSX models

TSB 06-007 : Right Rear Wheel Camber Out Of Specification Applies to the following TSX models: 2004 - all 2005 - VIN range from JH4CL9...5C000001 to JH4CL9...5C015076

TSB 06-016 : Trunk Lid Does Not Open Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 06-018 : Driver's Seat Squeaks Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 06-023 : MIL Comes On With DTC P0116 Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 06-029 : XM Satellite Radio and Audio Accessories Play at the Same Time Applies to 2006 TSX models with VIN range from JH4C69...6C000007 to JH4C69...6C025147

TSB 06-034 : Vehicle Pulling or Drifting Applies to all models

TSB 06-042 : 2007 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2007 TSX models

TSB 06-046 : Tubeless Tire Repair Information Applies to all models

TSB 06-050 : Warranty Extension - Vehicle Warranty Mileage Applies to all models purchased between April 13, 2002 and November 7, 2006.

TSB 06-053 : 2007 Acura Paint Codes, Exterior and Interior Color Code Locations Applies to all 2007 TSX models

TSB 07-007 : Clarification of Acura Unibody Repair Policy Applies to all models

TSB 07-010 : Music Link (For iPod) General Information and Symptom Troubleshooting Applies to all models with accessory Music Link installed

TSB 07-016 : Product Update - Moisture in Headlight Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 07-017 : Safety Recall - Fuel Pump Relay May Cause Engine No-Start or Stalling Applies to 2005 TSX models with VIN range from JH4CL9...5C018626 to JH4CL9...5C025175

TSB 07-021 : Front Brakes Judder Applies to all 2004-07 TSX models

TSB 07-025 : AC Leak Detection Applies to all models

TSB 07-027 : Updating the AcuraLink Control Unit Applies to all vehicles with AcuraLink

TSB 07-030 : 2008 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2008 TSX models

TSB 07-040 : 2008 Acura Paint Codes Applies to all 2008 models

TSB 07-041 : Brake Pedal is Low and Feels Soft Applies to all 2004-07 TSX models

TSB 07-050 : Service Manual Update:HFL (HandsFreeLink) General Troubleshooting Information Applies to all 2006-08 models with HandsFreeLink

TSB 07-057 : Low Tire Pressure Indicator Stays On, But All Tire Pressures Are OK Applies to the following TSX models: 2007 - all 2008 - VIN range from JH4CL9...8C000001 to JH4CL9...8C005018

TSB 07-059 : ATF Leak Detection Applies to all TSXs with automatic transmissions

TSB 08-011 : Front Door Glass Squeaks When Going Up or Down Applies to all 2004-08 TSX models

TSB 08-012 : MIL is On With DTC P1172 or P2A00 Applies to all 2004-06 TSX models

TSB 08-017 : 2009 TSX - TQI of the DVD Navigation System With Voice Recognition Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 08-020 : 2009 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 08-025 : Fuel Fill Door Is Hard To Open Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 08-026 : Load Carrying Capacity Reduced Label Applies to all TSX models

TSB 08-027 : Beverage Holder Lid Will Not Open Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 10-025: Power Steering Rack Squeaks Applies to all 2004-2008 TSX Models

Non-Specific Acura Technical Service Bulletins

TSB 88-016: Battery test procedure.

TSB 89-015: ATF Cooler Cleaner.

TSB 90-009: Automatic Transmission In-Warranty Exchange Program

TSB 96-009: Removal of Clear Guard Protective Film.

TSB 96-025: Navigation System Component In-Warranty Exchange/Out-of-Warranty Repair.

TSB 97-040: Keyless Remote Transmitter Information.

TSB 98-015: Special Tool Loan Program

TSB 99-010: Cutting Keys With the Exacta Key Code Cutter.

TSB 00-037: Brake Disc Refinishing Guidelines.

TSB 01-026: Updating the ECM/PCM (Revised 20 Sept 2005.

TSB 02-020: Initializing the OPDS Unit.

TSB 03-012: Immobilizer System (Type 4).

TSB 03-013: TQI of the DVD Navigation System With Voice Recognition.

TSB 03-023: TQI and New Model Information.

TSB 03-024: 2004 Acura Paint Codes.

TSB 03-033: MIL Comes On With DTCs P0301, P0305, and Possible P0300

TSB 05-003: 2005 Acura Paint Codes

TSB 05-014: Child Seat Anchor Locating Button Is Missing (Revised 06/07/2005)

TSB 05-018: Navigation System DVD Information

TSB 05-032: 2006 Acura Paint Codes, Exterior and Interior Color Code Locations (Revised 2/10/2006)

TSB 06-023: MIL comes on with DTC P0116

TSB 06-046: Tubeless Tire Repair Information

TSB 06-050: Warranty Extension: Vehicle Warranty Mileage

TSB 06-053: 2007 Acura Paint Codes, Exterior and Interior Color Code Locations

TSB 10-028: 2011 Acura Paint Codes

2nd Gen Acura TSX Technical Service Bulletins

TSB 08-017: 2009–2010 TSX: TQI of the DVD Navigation System With Voice Recognition

TSB 08-020: 2009 TSX: TQI and New Model Information

TSB 08-025: (2009-2010 TSX) Fuel Fill Door Is Hard to Open

TSB 08-027: (2009 TSX) Beverage Holder Lid Will Not Open

TSB 08-035: (2009-2010 TSX) DVD Read Error, or No Route Displayed, and Navigation DVD Is Scratched

TSB 08-036: 2009 Acura Paint Codes

TSB 08-040: (2009 TSX) Product Update: Valet Key Opens the Trunk

TSB 08-048: (2009 TSX) Audio or Navigation Display Unit Lens Reflection

TSB 08-050: (2009 TSX) Time on Display Changes Randomly

TSB 08-052: (2009 TSX) MIL Comes On With DTC P2422

TSB 08-058: (2009 TSX) XM Traffic/Weather and AcuraLink Messages Are Not Displayed, and Phone Number Features in the Navigation System Don’t Work

TSB 09-001: (2009 TSX) XM Notes Are Duplicated; Wrong Map Colors When Off-Route; Wrong Image Appears During Navigation Talk Button Tutorial; and Other Listed Symptoms

TSB 09-004: (2009 TSX) Subwoofer Rattles, Hums, and Sounds Distorted

TSB 09-005: (2009 TSX) Sounds From Speakers Are Distorted

TSB 09-008: (2009 TSX) All-Season Floor Mat Contacts the Clutch Pedal

TSB 09-010: (2009 TSX) Trunk Lid Hinge Makes Noise

TSB 09-014: (2009 TSX) Rear Shelf Clicks, Ticks, Creaks, or Pops

TSB 09-016: (2009 TSX) Windshield Side Trim Retainer Is Loose or Missing

TSB 09-019: (2009-2010 TSX) Popping or Clicking from the Left Rear or Right Rear Jack Point

TSB 09-020: 2010 TSX: TQI Information

TSB 09-023: (2009 TSX) Fuel Fill Door Detaches From the Body

TSB 09-035: 2010 Acura Paint Codes

TSB 09-041: (2009-2010 TSX) Engine Pings During Moderate to Heavy Acceleration

TSB 09-044: (2009 TSX) Intermittent No Sound From Audio Unit; Preset Buttons Do Not Respond

TSB 09-054: (2009-2010 TSX) Front Brakes Judder and/or Squeal

TSB 10-003: (2009-2010 TSX) Hood Vibrates or Flutters on Rough Roads or at Highway Speeds

TSB 10-008: (2009-2010 TSX) Retractable Master Key Does Not Lock in Its Extended Position

TSB 10-016: (2009-2010 TSX) Roof Molding Is Loose

TSB 10-017: (2009-2010 TSX) No XM Sound, But XM Station Information Is Displayed

TSB 10-018: (2009-2010 TSX) Paint Peels Off the Interior Door Grip Cover

TSB 10-024: (2009-2010 TSX) Engine Rattles at Cold Start-Up

TSB 10-028: 2011 Acura Paint Codes

TSB 10-036: (2009-2010 TSX) Front Grille Molding Is Peeling

TSB 10-043: (2010 TSX SEE TSB FOR VIN RANGE) Dashboard Is Bubbled

TSB 10-044: (2009-2010 TSX) Finish Peels Off the Parking Brake Lever

TSB 10-048: (2009-2010 TSX) 2009–10 TSX: Popping or Clicking When Turning the Steering Wheel

TSB 11-003: (2011 TSX) Product Update: Compass Displays Wrong Direction

TSB 11-008: (2009-2010 TSX) Front Grille Lower Molding Peels, Wrinkles, or Blisters

TSB 11-010: (2011 TSX) Navigation Display Intermittently Remains Blank After Starting

TSB 11-021: (2011 TSX) Products Update: Software Update to improve Fuel Injector and VTC Timing

TSB 11-022: (2009 TSX) Driver Power Seat is Rought or Bumpy when moving forward of back

TSB 11-026: (2012 TSX) 2012 TSX TQI Information

TSB 11-032: (2011-2012 MDX, 2011-2012 TSX, 2012 ZDX) Rear Entertainment Restarts when the ignition is cycled

TSB 12-008: 2013 Acura Paint Codes

TSB 12-011: (2011 RDX & 2010 TSX) Start Motor Intermittently Grinds in Cold Weather

TSB 12-014: (2009-2012 TSX) Console Armrest Is Loose

TSB 12-015: (2009-2010 TSX) Product Update: Roof Molding is Loose

TSB 12-018: (2009 TSX) Product Update: Windshield Side Trim Retainer is Loose

TSB 12-021: (2011-2012 TSX) HFL System Deletes Previously Paired Phone and Imported Phone Book

TSB 12-022: (2009-2011 TSX) Door Lock makes a high pitched whine or does not work

TSB 12-031: (2013 TSX) TQI Information

TSB 12-037: (2010-2012 TSX) Clicking Noise when turning the Steering Wheel

TSB 12-040: (2007-2011 TSX) Moonroof Glass Frame Rusts Under the Moonroof Seal

TSB 13-006: 2009–10 TSX: Sticking Rings Resulting in Unusually High Engine Oil Consumption (2009–10 TSX L4 with M/T )

TSB 13-010: XM Signal Intermittently Cuts Out or Poor Reception (2009-2010 TSX)

TSB 13-014: Safety Recall: 2004–08 TSX ECM/PCM Corrosion

[TSB 09-041] TSX Engine Pings During Moderate to Heavy Acceleration

TSB 09-041

Apples To:2009 TSX – ALL
2010 TSX L4 – From VIN JH4CU2...AC000001 thru JH4CU2...AC009053


SYMPTOM:The engine pings during moderate to heavy acceleration.

PROBABLE CAUSE:The PCM software, combined with knock sensor sensitivity, may not adjust the ignition timing as expected.

NOTE: This condition does not cause internal engine damage. Some engine ping is a desired characteristic for optimal performance and fuel economy.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:Replace the knock sensor, then update the PGM-FI software with the HDS. If you’re working on a vehicle with A/T, also update the A/T software.

NOTE: On vehicles with A/T, you must update the A/T software to complete the repair.
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