🔧 Alternator - Replacement

This repair removes the serpentine belt, electrical connections, and alternator mounting bolts so the charging system part can be replaced. On your Accord, space is tight, so careful belt routing and clean electrical reconnection matter a lot.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting. The alternator power wire is always live.
• Let the engine cool fully before working near the belt and exhaust area.
• Keep fingers clear of the serpentine belt and tensioner while releasing tension.
• Do not let tools bridge the alternator terminal to metal ground.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch breaker bar
• Long-handled ratchet or belt tensioner tool (specialty)
• Socket extensions
• Torque wrench
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Alternator - Qty: 1
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key or fob.
• Take a photo of the belt routing before removing it.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm wrench to remove the negative battery cable.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the battery post.

Step 2: Remove the serpentine belt

• Use a 3/8-inch breaker bar or long-handled ratchet or belt tensioner tool (specialty) to rotate the belt tensioner.
• Slip the belt off the alternator pulley, then slowly release the tensioner.
• Take a belt routing photo first.

Step 3: Disconnect the alternator wiring

• Use a 10mm wrench to remove the nut from the charging cable terminal.
• Unplug the electrical connector by hand.
• Keep the wire away from metal surfaces.

Step 4: Remove the alternator bolts

• Use a 12mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet with extensions to remove the alternator mounting bolts.
• Support the alternator with your free hand as the last bolt comes out.
• Torque on installation: Tighten the alternator mounting bolts to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the alternator

• Lift the alternator out of the engine bay carefully.
• If it binds, wiggle it gently while guiding it past hoses and brackets.

Step 6: Install the new alternator

• Set the replacement alternator in place by hand.
• Start all bolts by hand first, then tighten them with a 12mm socket.
• Torque on installation: Tighten the alternator mounting bolts to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the wiring

• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
• Install the charging cable with a 10mm wrench.
• Torque on installation: Tighten the charging cable nut to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the serpentine belt

• Route the belt exactly as shown in your photo.
• Use a 3/8-inch breaker bar or long-handled ratchet or belt tensioner tool (specialty) to move the tensioner again.
• Make sure the belt sits fully in every pulley groove.

Step 9: Reconnect the battery and verify charging

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench.
• Start the engine and check that the belt runs smoothly.
• Confirm the battery warning light is off.

---

✅ After Repair

• Listen for belt squeal, rubbing, or grinding noises.
• Check for warning lights on the dash.
• Inspect the belt path and wiring after a short test drive.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$500 (parts only)

You Save: $450-$700 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.