gwmc7e

I have a 1996 Acura TL 3.2 for which I'm currently uninstalling the alternator. I've removed the belt, taken out the top and bottom bolts holding the alternator in place and have detached the the plug and the black wire to the right of the plug. The alternator has a lot of free play at this point but still has a wire harness attached to the back. Frankly, I don't see how this harness can be detached. I don't see anything that can be squeezed or unclipped and I don't see any nuts to loosen. Perhaps, I'm just not seeing it right. Clearly, it has to come off or the alternator can't be removed. Any advice on how this can be detached, and maybe even why its connected to the back of the alternator? Would much appreciate a worthy response from one of our many smart and gifted mechanics. Thanks

thoiboi

Quick google search yielded this, hope it helps. I'm not seeing any harness though. Care to post a pic so we can be of better assistance?

gwmc7e

Thanks Thoiboi but your directions don't include any addressing of the impasse I'm having with the wire harness attached to the back bottom of the alternator. If it was only what you illustrated above, I'd be done. Instead, I can't pull off the alternator because no one can address the correct way to detach the wire harness. Thanks anyway.

gwmc7e

Sorry, Thoiboi. I didn't read what you typed below the instructions. As for posting a pic, that would be the first thing I'd like to do but I don't have a camera.

thoiboi

Are you saying there's an engine wire harness clip like similar in this diagram?


If so, it involves using your finger or a flathead screwdriver to depress an indent and pulling the harness away from mount point


Does this parts diagram help?

gwmc7e

Thoiboi:

I assume you referring to part 9---- I don't think that's it. Even from the diagram, part 9 seems to be attached to the top of the back whch could be the plug or the B wire, both of which I've already detached. Nevertheless, I've spend quite a bit of time squeezing and pulling on the assembly to see if it might come apart, but with no luck. I'm beginning to think of cutting it off but still don't know if it has to be connected later when I install my new rebuilt. But I greatly appreciate your advice, thanks.

gwmc7e

Thoiboi:

After another look and blowing it up more, I now think you do have the right diagram and its the connection between 9, E-7-1, and B-6-1 that is creating all this problem for me. I've worked for hours trying to squeeze various parts of the assembly while pulling and have come up with nothing still. BTW, where did you find this diagram? Do you have a link?

thoiboi

welll B-6-1 shouldn't be right because that's connected to the starter on the other side of engine.


I pulled that from the parts diagram on one of our vendor's website: Acura Parts | OEM Acura Parts | Factory Acura Parts

I wish you had a camera so i could see exactly what harness you're referring to but as of such, i'm flying blind here

back to the original page out of the service manual i found, you remove the two bolts (through bolt and adjustment lock bolt) but did you take off the adjusting nut??

gwmc7e

Finally got that wiring applicator off after struggling with it for a few hours. I can see now it was just a handy place to stick a wire harness and had nothing to do with the alternator. If God is willing, I'll finish up in a fraction of the time I've taken just getting this wire harness off. Thanks, Thoiboi.

thoiboi

thanks for the update! best of luck to ya!!!

aaavl

Hi, gwmc7e,

I have exactly the same problem on the 1998 acura tl alternator. I am wondering what wiring applicator that you took off. I have removed two front bolts, a bracket which consists of 3 bolts, a 8mm nut holding the wiring harness behind the alternator and still can't get the alternator out. I can rotate the alternator, but just can't pull it out. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

aaavl