dashboard lights come on.

Hello, your concerns are not consistent with needing an alternator. It's possible, but unlikely. It's not terribly impossible to need the VSA Modulator. Usually I see these from some kind of back pressure contamination related to a recent brake job (recent meaning -- last year or so) being performed, and possible allowing debris to go backwards in the system. My suggestion: be loyal to a local Honda dealership. Ask them for assistance via Honda goodwill. You may be able to get a break.