Quite frustrated that the battery couldn't hold a charge. Dealership has checked everything and confirmed battery and alternator meet specs. Unfortunately, have required 8 boots in past year. Its minus 25 degrees now and against the dealer's advice I installed a larger battery about 700CCA versus the honda 400CCA.

Can now smell a burning smell...how badly have I messed things up...is the alternator about to go?

 

Why didn't you take it to the dealer and make them fix it under warranty?

EDIT: Once a car has been back for the same problem 3 times, it's a Lemon under the US Lemon law.

 

Installing a battery with a higher CCA, shouldn't do anything bad. When installing a battery, you'd want to go higher in CCA, and not lower (than stock), as you might not have enough to crank over your vehicle. You mention that they checked the Battery, and Alt, but did they check the Starter (current draw), etc? As for the burning smell, maybe a short, and/ or the alternator putting out too much current (but alternator check should have diagnosed this)?

When it does't start, do the headlights come on bright, and/or interior components (seem to be fine)? Also, what exactly does it do (clicking noise from starter, relay clicking, does the motor try to bump over)?

I'd take it to Autozone (free of charge), or somewhere else, and have them check the Starting/Charging System. Check all connections (Ground wires, Alternator connections, Starter connections, etc), how do the battery connectors look?

I had intermittent starting problems on my 97 accord, and all I had to do was wiggle the starter wire (little wire), and it would start (it was a push on connection, probably just a little corrosion). g/l sos

 

car is still under warranty do not alter any parts from what it is called for or it will void the warranty,,,,,,,,,
dealer should take care of this issue ...did they test for a voltage drain ???

 

Does the new battery fit properly in the existing hold downs ?

 

Nice law, unfortunately Canadian consumers don't get the same protection.

The dealer would not do anything. Why does Honda install such small batteries? 400 CCA.

 

It is working fine with the larger battery. No more burning smells either.

 

Everything tested. I realize changing the battery voids the battery warranty and may void the alternator battery if the alternator has to work harder to charge a larger battery. Am hoping the alternator can handle the larger battery. Unfortunately, the little battery just can't handle the colder temperatures we have in Edmonton....should have moved to Phoenix!

 

Perfect fit. Don't understand why Honda would design the car to hold a larger battery and then stick a smaller one in? Was it cost or performance or ?

 

Take note of this, my daughter lives in Phoenix and i put in a battery with 200 more CCA than it came with..the 100 to 125 degree temp is just as hard as the cold weather when she lived at home..

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