Honda Civic: How to Replace Your Alternator

If it wasn't for the alternator, most of the comfort features inside your Civic wouldn't work. This article will help you install a new one, and keep your Civic functioning as it should.

By Jerry Perez - March 9, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic/Del Sol (1992-2000).

Your alternator plays a vital role in making sure you get from point A to point B. It does that by providing your car with electrical power while it's running, as well as replenishing the battery with energy. If you are experiencing the following problems while the car is running, it may be time to replace the alternator:

Electrical components like the radio won't function properly or at all.
Dash lights and dash components are dim or don't turn on at all.
Headlights are dim or don't work.
Cigarette lighter adapters like the cell phone charger doesn't work.

Replacing your alternator does not require any specialty tools. It can be a lengthy job, and also requires a lot of work inside the engine bay. So if you don't feel comfortable being underneath the car, then it is recommended having this done at a repair shop.

Materials Needed

Jack and jack stands
10 mm wrench
Ratcheting wrench

Step 1 – Prep the car

Locate the appropriate spot underneath the car to jack up your Civic. Set the car on jack stands, and proceed to disconnect the car battery. Disconnect the negative (black) terminal first, and then the positive (red).

Figure 1. Always disconnect the battery before performing any mechanical work.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Civic - Honda-Tech.com)

Step 2 – Remove bolts and clips

Removing the alternator involves undoing a lot of bolts, brackets, and clips. Follow the list and pictures below to successfully free up the alternator.

Unclip the green 4P connector that supplies the alternator coil with power.
Remove the B terminal by removing the bolt located to the right of the 4P connector.
Loosen the adjusting bolt located above the belt.
Loosen the upper bracket support.
Remove splash shield underneath the car to access alternator from below if necessary.

Figure 2. Unclip the green 4P connector.
Figure 3. Remove the alternator adjusting bolt.

Step 3 – Remove the alternator

Remove the large "through" bolt located on the lower support bracket.
Remove the belt from the pulley.
Remove the two bolts holding the lower support bracket (where the "through" bolt was located).

Figure 4. Remove the large "through" bolt.
Figure 5. Remove alternator belt from the pulley.
Figure 6. Remove the bolts holding the support bracket in place.

Remove the blue wiring harness located on the lower support bracket.
Unclip the green wiring harness.
Wiggle the alternator out from underneath the car.

Figure 7. Unplug the blue wiring harness.
Figure 8. Unplug green wiring harness.
Figure 9. Wiggle alternator out.

Step 4 – Install new alternator

Wiggle in the new alternator from the wheel well. Now, don't forget to set the belt back on the pulley. If you don't, you'll have to undo everything and start from step one.