Alternator
Thread Starter
Chapter Leader (San Antonio)
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From: Houston, Texas
Alternator
Hey everyone.
I've ran into a small issue and believe my alternator is done for. So my question is does anyone know where I can find detailed instructions/DIY to remove and replace the alternator? I asked a mobile mech to do it and they said its a long job that likely requires the car on the lift. IIRC, most cars that I've worked on that needed it replaced was pretty easy. I've searched the whole 1G RDX forum and haven't found one DIY or any installation manual on how to do it. Any ideas?
I've ran into a small issue and believe my alternator is done for. So my question is does anyone know where I can find detailed instructions/DIY to remove and replace the alternator? I asked a mobile mech to do it and they said its a long job that likely requires the car on the lift. IIRC, most cars that I've worked on that needed it replaced was pretty easy. I've searched the whole 1G RDX forum and haven't found one DIY or any installation manual on how to do it. Any ideas?
mrgold35
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,007
Likes: 1,659
From: ABQ, NM
My alternator went out last year on my RDX. I took it to a local mechanic after I purchased a replacement from a local auto parts chain store. My mechanic said it was the easiest alternator install he has done in a while. It took him around 30-45 mins total to do the job with the RDX sitting on the ground.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2014
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Almost any FWD vehicle alternator job will be the same. It's pretty hard to mess up as long as you know what you're looking for and don't start removing random bolts.
1. Disconnect battery
2. Loosen and remove (if necessary) serpent belt (if you have 100k or more miles, I recommend just putting a new serpent belt on at this time)
3. Unplug alternator and remove bolts (usually 2 or 3 holding it in). If you cannot reach the plug, unbolt it first and *carefully* remove it to reveal the electric plug. Don't want to ruin the wires and/or harness by pulling on it.
4. Swap alternators, and follow previous steps in reverse.
The part that varies most by car is exactly where the alternator is and how hard it is to reach (most cars, you can see it as soon as you open the hood and look down on the passenger side). Also, if you completely remove the belt, it's usually nice to have a 2nd set of hands there to ensure it's properly aligned around all pulleys while you slip it back on.
1. Disconnect battery
2. Loosen and remove (if necessary) serpent belt (if you have 100k or more miles, I recommend just putting a new serpent belt on at this time)
3. Unplug alternator and remove bolts (usually 2 or 3 holding it in). If you cannot reach the plug, unbolt it first and *carefully* remove it to reveal the electric plug. Don't want to ruin the wires and/or harness by pulling on it.
4. Swap alternators, and follow previous steps in reverse.
The part that varies most by car is exactly where the alternator is and how hard it is to reach (most cars, you can see it as soon as you open the hood and look down on the passenger side). Also, if you completely remove the belt, it's usually nice to have a 2nd set of hands there to ensure it's properly aligned around all pulleys while you slip it back on.
Thread Starter
Chapter Leader (San Antonio)
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,022
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From: Houston, Texas
Thanks for that.
But change in plans. I'm going to bring the vehicle to test for the alternator. One of the reasons why is because I did a self-test of the alternator and it worked fine.
I disconnected the battery once the car was on and the alternator held the charge.
So I'm assuming it isn't the alternator and possibly a HFL issue or electrical/grounding issue.
But change in plans. I'm going to bring the vehicle to test for the alternator. One of the reasons why is because I did a self-test of the alternator and it worked fine.
I disconnected the battery once the car was on and the alternator held the charge.
So I'm assuming it isn't the alternator and possibly a HFL issue or electrical/grounding issue.