Alternator Replacement? Help!

Tiny
KRISTAHERNDON
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 111,000 MILES
My air conditioning kept going in and out for a few months so I took it to Sears and they told me I needed a new AC compressor so I bought the correct part and had it replaced, at that same time I was having trouble with my battery and if I left a light on for a little it would die easily and even has not started when no lights were left on. I got the car jumped a couple of times but most times I just waited 10 minutes and kept trying until it worked - so I got that replaced this Saturday when I replaced my AC compressor. I was low on gas today and pulled into the gas station and turned my car off and pulled out my wallet to find I didn't have my debit card and when I went to turn on my car it wouldn't start. I assumed it was just low on gas and when I filled gas in it wouldn't start. I kept trying and was about to call triple A when I tried again 15 minutes later and it started. Is it my alternator? Or does this sometimes happen with new batteries? Keep in mind that I had been driving it on the freeway for 20 minutes before I got gas and it died on me- shouldn't it have been charged by me just driving it? Thank you for your help.
Tuesday, August 4th, 2015 AT 9:03 PM

27 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It does sound like the alternator needs to be replaced here is a guide to help walk you through with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
KRISTAHERNDON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
How do I restart the security system? Thank you !
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Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If no manual check online I forgot to put that in reply. Also have the battery checked for condition including load test. Most places do that for free
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Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
R.CORONA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2006 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Two days ago I installed a new alternator into my car because AutoZone had told me it was bad. Today my car wouldn’t start due to electrical issues. Then I checked and the main power wire on the alternator and it had melted the plastic around it. Can the alternator be overheating or do I need an upgrade of wires?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The fist thing I need to know is how much power the alternator is making. Here is a link that shows how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here are a couple links you may find helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Now, the voltage regulator is integral with the alternator. It could be bad and allowing the alt to over charge. Make sure none of the wiring is damaged or shorting.

Another thing that can cause a wire to melt is a poor connection. If the wire was left loose or is corroded, that can cause it to overheat.

If possible, take a pic of the affected wire and upload it for me to see. Also, let me know the results of the alternator test.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
R.CORONA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Well the car won’t even start.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Okay. Without it being able to be started, the only thing you can do is remove the alternator and have it bench tested. When you say the car won't start, do you mean the battery is dead or is it cranking and not starting? By any chance, were you able to get a pic of the wire in question?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
R.CORONA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The dash lights turn on but it doesn’t start. So yes I’m pretty sure the battery is dead.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
R.CORONA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Another picture.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
It looks like the insulator on the alternator melted. Was it good and tight? That is the only thing I can think of at this point to create that much heat. I was thinking the insulation on the wire melted. Am I correct on my assumption that it is limited to the alternator itself?

Joe
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENGELKING58
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
My mechanic stated that the alternator belt is only hitting 1/3 of the charging area for the alternator. Grandson had a super stereo system installed using 0 gauge wire sequenced to another battery in the back of the car. All had been disconnected and a standard alternator installed. New battery now installed. Today the belt broke. Does a Honda require a Honda only alternator?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

If the belt is only touching 1/3 of the alt pulley, something is out of alignment. And no, you don't have to use a Honda Alternator. Since the belt is only on a portion of the pulley, that is what caused it to break.

What I suggest is to first confirm you have the correct alternator for your vehicle. Second, check to see if there is something causing a misalignment. The belt should sit fully on the pulley, so something is causing the alt to be off.

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacing the alternator. I'm adding them so you can see the process and how everything should be mounted.

2005 Honda Civic L4-1.7L SOHC
Replacement
Vehicle Starting and Charging Charging System Alternator Service and Repair Procedures Replacement
REPLACEMENT
Alternator Replacement

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio, then write down the customer's radio station presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

Pic 1

3. Remove the adjust plate mounting bolt (A), locknut (B), and mounting bolt (C), then remove the power steering (P/S) pump belt (D) and pump without disconnecting the P/S hoses.

Pic 2

4. Disconnect the 4P connector (A) and alternator cable (B) from the alternator.

Pic 3

5. Loosen the adjusting boll (A), and remove the lock bolt (B) and mounting bolt (C), then remove the alternator belt and alternator.
6. Install in the reverse order of removal.
7. Adjust the alternator belt tension or the alternator-A/C compressor belt tension.
8. Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.
9. Set the clock.
10. Do the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) idle learn procedure.

Check that and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
R.CORONA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes the insulator on the alternator was melted.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENGELKING58
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My grandson removed the power steering. Does that make a difference?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
For that to have happened, I suspect there was a poor connection. Anytime electric jumps or arcs, it creates heat. I would return the alternator, get a new one, and confirm it is making a good connection. Then, check the alternator output with a multi meter or volt meter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know the results.

Joe

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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Welcome back:

I believe the power steering on this vehicle is electric, so that shouldn't play a role in the problem. Does it appear that the pulleys align?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DONAVAN JARMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 268,000 MILES
One night while driving home, my lights got dim, my radio started cutting off and on, my car charger cut off. I didn't think to much about it at the. The next morning it wouldn't start. I jumped it off and got it to Walmart and bought a new battery thinking that may have been the only problem. After two days, the same problem happened. I thought the alternator had gone out. After replacing the alternator, I figured it would charge the new battery back up. After a day or two I had the same problems again. I took the battery back and was able to get a new one but it didn't help. I was barely able to get it to a mechanic shop the next day. They told me they couldn't do a diagnostics test because the alternator was only putting out 9v. I took the alternator back thinking I might have just got a bad one and swapped it for another one. After installing, no difference in the car. With a new alternator and belt, it's still not charging the battery. I've checked all fuses, plugs, replaced battery terminals, checked for any parasitic draw, I can't figure it out. The battery will read 12.3v or less with the car off. When running or idling, it doesn't go any higher than when it was off. Any ideas?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This could be a problem with the voltage regulator or the electrical connector or wiring from the alternator to the battery. In the diagrams down below I have included a wiring diagram of your vehicle's charging system, for reference, and a guide from the vehicle manufacturer for tracking down exactly what the problem is. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are ale to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Here is a guide to help you test the alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

I have seen the multiplex control unit cause this issue BTW. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IAMHARLEYGUY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 HONDA CIVIC
Electrical problem
2002 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

How do you remove and replace the alternator in a 2002 Honda Civic EX 1.7?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:11 PM (Merged)

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