I have a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. About a week ago my highbeams started to flicker along with my dashboard. Highbeams eventually stop working. Everything elss worked properly. Next morning my battery died. I replaced the battery bc I needed a new one anyway. Truck starts up fine and highbeams still dead. Next morning battery dead. Need some auto advice. Thanks all.
I'm not a mechanic, but I'm going to guess you have a short. I don't think it's in the wiring to the headlights or the battery wouldn't run down unless you had them turned on. I would look for a short in the switch, although you could have a short in the wiring to the switch.
Would a place like Auto Zone run a quick diagnostic to show me where the short may be occuring or is this something for which I need an auto mechanic? Thanks for your help.
I wouldn't know if they could help you. I would ask. I would disconnect one of the cables from the battery to avoid it running down overnight. It's possible that the alternator is not charging, but that would not explain the failure of the high beams or the earlier flickering.
Agreed, but it's an easy place to start. The high beams may be working but there may not be enough juice to kick them on if the alternator is dying. A free test that takes a couple minutes out of your day is worth it IMO. As for the short, that's something a mechanic would have to sort out. I doubt the Auto Zone guys will be able to do much with that one.
Your gauge or a warning light should tell you if the alternator isn't working. If you have warning lights, you can tell if the bulb is working by looking for it when you turn on the key. All the warning signals light up. They go off when you start the engine. My first guess would be the switch. You could have a short that slowly drains the battery but doesn't blow a fuse because it looks like the headlights are on.
I had advanced auto check my alternator. But I had already taken it off. But I think any repair shop ought to have a guy with a meter who can check it. Did the high beams fry? It might be the voltage regulator. Definitely could be a short too. That could cause a drain on the battery. Hit everything with a hammer, see if that helps.
Have you tried asking a forum dedicated to Honda/Ridgelines? Whenever I have a problem with my truck, I head over to the full size Chevy forum and ask questions. I have had so many problems, it wouldn't surprise me if I had more posts over there than on here
That's a great idea. Other people may have encountered the same problem. You could same some money and hassle.
It has helped me out a ton working on my truck. Working on your own vehicle saves a ton of money, and it's good to know anyhow.
I used to have an 09 Ridgeline purchased as a demo (~ 7k miles on it) with the built in GPS. The dash went out 4 times before I had 36k miles on it. There was something wrong with a wiring harness that would cause a short and would also cause headlight issues. They replaced the entire dash electronics twice. As far as AutoZone guys; unless it is throwing a code there is no sense in taking it to them. Good idea heading to the ridgeline forum guys; but I doubt this is something a layman could fix. You're likely going to have to take it in.
You know what saves even more money? Driving a vehicle that doesn't need to be worked on... Team Toyota! lol
You mean paying lots more money for a truck that's smaller and can't do the things my truck can when it's running? Lol
Emphasis on when it's running. lol Obviously I'm jk, I've driven a GMC, F-150, F-250 (the 6.0 and it sucked majorly), and a Tacoma. I'm not a brand ****.
I'm just giving you a hard time too, that's why I threw in the when its running part I'm actually tempted to buy a late 80's Toyota off Craigslist for the time being, then buy a 3/4 ton diesel once I start working again. Brett, have you taken a look at the bulbs in your lights to see if they are burnt out? Checked any fuses? You never know, but the lights and battery drain could be two separate problems. Weirder things have happened...
