Two things struck me simultaneously - couldn't remember which sense triggered first. But it was either sight or sound. My eyes registered 2 warning indicators on the dashboard - the amber power steering indicator and the red battery indicator (as above). My ears registered a humming sound not unlike the supercharger on my dad's old C200K (which would have been good if I actually had a blower under the hood). At first, I thought it was due to the heat - it was, after all, high noon with blazing sun beating down on my car (which was parked right out in the open under a cloudless blue sky). So, I switched the engine off and started it again after a brief moment. No luck, as these telltale signs persisted. Proof that in "real life", CTRL-ALT-DEL-ing something does not really banish the problem.
I tried turning the wheel - and yes, it was as I thought - power steering was gone. Thinking about my options, I concluded that since I only lost power steering, it would be possible to limp back home (through some hard work). My Honda Civic FD2 had an electric power steering (an advancement over previous hydraulic power steering technology), and any interruption to the power system meant it would not function. It did take me some effort to reverse out of the parking space and turn 90 degrees to the right in order to drive down the road. Didn't realize how difficult it was. Can only imagine what driving was like way back before the invention of power steering....
At first, I avoided the main road, noting the humming sound was linked to my throttle. After driving some distance, I noticed the indicators going on and off intermittently. Pulling over and restarting one more time, at least the power steering light went out, and my steering assistance was restored. For how long, there was no way to know, but I did not want to find out. Along the drive back, the red battery light came on and off occasionally. I remembered my Scangauge, and toggled to the battery voltage display. I saw that the reading was fluctuating between 10~12V, which was too low. Did not go higher as I revved, so it definitely had to be the alternator.
I made it back home, and parked in my usual spot (thankfully power steering continued to function). Popping the hood, I checked to see if there were any unusual signs (rats gnawing at the wires, broken belt, and so on), but there was no visual cues that indicated that there was a problem. Just the faint humming sound (which somehow sounded louder from inside the car).
The next morning, the car was a bit harder to start while cranking, which was expected as the alternator could not charge up the battery anymore. Thus, it was risky to drive as this could mean total loss of electrical systems once the battery was depleted. Among other things, this would disable the ignition system, leaving her dead in the middle of the road.
Thinking about it, I consider myself lucky as my alternator/battery did not fail immediately (which would have been dangerous if I were driving through a corner). Just a reminder to keep a keen eye (and ear) out for any abnormalities and have it checked out before something serious boils down!
David, my trusty car guy, came to collect my Honda Civic FD2 for repairs. Either we'll have a new alternator, or rework it (if possible). Estimate a quick fix within a day. Well, will update here again once things are patched up. Till then, hope this does not happen to any of you!
[Update: 27 Feb 2020] Well, what do you know? My car's all fixed up! Basically, they took out my alternator and replaced some of the internal components, instead of swapping in a brand new one. Total downtime ~1 day, and cost just under RM500. Let's see in the long run, if this would be the wiser choice or false economy.... (keeping fingers crossed)
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