I am almost 100% certain my alternator is bad. I have had it tested at AutoZone and they say it is. My car makes a whining noise while I drive all the time now for past 3 weeks. My ABS and SRS lights have come on and off intermittently along with the battery light once.


I am a self taught mechanic at best and can follow instructions very well. Was wondering how hard it would be for the average Joe to change the alternator in my CL.

It doesn't look all that difficult based on location and space but I don't know everything. Thanks in advance!

 

Has your battery run out of juice? That would be kind of strange for your alt. to be bad without the battery needing recharging. I just replaced mine not to long ago and its not to difficult. Just remember excatly what you take off and where everything goes.

 

Is there any good websites with CL repair manuals for sale or to view how to fix different things?

 

o_0 Go to the dealer. They will print out the service manual for you :o

 

you have a '97 and you're just now replacing it? Mine went out at like 52,000 i think

 

It's not real difficult to change an alternator. If you decide to do it, I can give you detailed instruction. I changed mine in about 30-45 minutes.

 

I just posted a few hours ago my altenator went bad today and i was stranded. Yes you have my symptoms I had today, but mine gave very little notice

 

well my 97' only has 47k on it so that sounds about right Perfecto.

Dustbuster4 I would appreciate your instructions as well. Thanks a ton

 

dust, pls PM instructions. Im stranded at a friends house. Thanks. Anyone? Thanks.

 

I spoke too soon!

I packed away my Service Manual (I'm about to move).

I do recall that there was a tensioner, that if you apply a rachet to it, it will loosen the tension on the alternator belt, and allow you to remove the belt. Just unscrew the screw/bolt that connects the wire from the alternator to the battery.

There should be 2 or 3 bolts that hold the alternator to the bracket. Just remove these bolts (they're long), and the alternator should come free. I believe you can lower the alternator, and remove it from under the car. If not, you probably need to remove the radiator shroud in order to pull it up and out of the engine bay.

Installation is the reverse of the above.

Sorry I can't be more specific. Like I said, I can't locate my service manual, and it's been more than 18 months since I put mine in.

Good luck!

 

Here's a link:

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.net/...RACKET+%282%29