Honda's ELD -- how big of a problem?

[nstillmatic 10+ year member]

It just came to my attention that all Hondas have an ELD that turns off the alternator for low power mode when it's not needed. I have a voltage meter in my car so I can witness this first hand as you can see the voltage dropping up and down (&turning on air conditioning keeps the alt/voltage up). I have a yellowtop for a starter battery, and then a deka 9a31 (rests at 12.6v) in the trunk wired together with a PAC relay isolator. When the car is started, batteries connected, and alt running it reads at about 14.1v. Randomly when driving around, the alt will turn off and spike down to about 12.3-12.8v.

Will this pose a problem long term? The deka is fully charged now, but if I continue driving like this I worry that it won't stay charged and then, when it switches to low power mode it might drop me down below 12v when the system is turned on. For those of you with Honda/Acuras, how do you deal with this?

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[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

I developed a bypass

Honda Electrical Load Detection (ELD) Bypass - Honda Accord Forum - Honda Accord Enthusiast Forums

It works great. It's a big deal to have your alt shutoff while current demands are high. The alt will be forced to keep recharging a depleted battery, shortening the life of the battery and alternator.

 

[nstillmatic 10+ year member]

That seems like a lot of trouble and out of my area, I'd worry about screwing something up honestly. Is there no other options?

 

[bjude1 10+ year member]

Dude! That was a great idea and solution! ****** @keep_hope_alive

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

thanks, that's what happens when an EE is presented with an electrical problem... solutions ensue!

the work-around does require confidence in wiring methods and connectivity - but no more than wiring a car audio system.

you're more likely to burn your car to the ground wiring multiple batteries then you are this bypass. granted, you need access to the ELD wires, and I recommend soldering all connections.

i suppose you could just put a 820 ohm resistor in the end of the ELD plug (on the correct wires) and force the alt on all of the time. but i like having the option of saving fuel when there is little electrical load.

 

[Stryker 10+ year member]

Thats just plain awesome!!! I drive a Ford and have no such issues but if i hads me a Honda and wanted a ground pounder this seems to be almost a necessary thing to do.