ddiddle

Would someone who knows more than me check my rationale and diagnosis regarding a battery/alternator/charging issue?

This is on my Honda Ridgeline - 2007.

This vehicle has cranked what I would consider slowly for probably 2 years or more, especially after hearing other peoples' Hondas crank. But - it always starts super fast, so it never has to crank long.

Last winter, I really thought I'd have to replace the battery due to the slow crank issue - I was convinced the battery was on it's way out. However, it always started - never left me stranded.

Today - out of the blue - clicks when I turn the key.

Put it on a charger for an hour. Tests at 10v, not running. I understand it should be about 12.6 or so.

Tests at about 14.3 running.

Connections are all clean and tight.

My assumption is that the problem is the battery and probably has been for a while, but the engine typically starts so quickly, I've managed...until today...so I should replace the battery. Is my logic correct?

I'd appreciate any counsel very much.

Coleroad

Yes, I would say you need a new battery. The slow cranking while the battery was healthy may be from the starter. I would check the draw that the starter is using after you put the new battery in.

BDSL

Use jumper cable to boost the vehicle.
Once started, remove the jumper cable.
If it stalls within 5 mins, your alternator is probably faulty.
If it doesn't stall, your battery is weak and can't hold charge.

Coleroad

Alternator is working , he said voltage was 14.3 when the engine is running.

F250

Replace the battery. If you still have slow cranking, then replace your starter as well. Could be that a dragging starter has weakened the battery to the point where it now needs replacement as well as the starter. If the new battery gives you a fast crank and a fast start... problem solved and no further replacement required.

"Quick starting" is an indication of a healthy ignition circuit.

"Slaw cranking" is an indication of either a dying/weak battery or a dragging starter.

14+ volts while running verifies that the alternator is putting out the proper charge.

Low voltage at startup indicates that your battery is not holding it's charge, which could be from a dragging starter that has, over time, weakened your battery's ability to store energy, which could also be a result of low electrolytes in the cells. I won;t chase that rabbit though because of how long this has been going on.

ddiddle

Thanks all very much. Put a new Interstate in it and all is well. Much faster crank, although it is a gear-reduction starter, so it doesn't sound like most Honda starters.

F250

Glad the Interstate solved your issue. I really like the gear reduction starters myself. Both Mitsubishi and NipponDenso starters have worked very well on my large Ford diesel engines, but when you go to purchase one, make sure they are "true" Mitsu or Denso starters because the "Denso style" starters are foreign knock-offs with a high frequency of short life.