Can replaced alternators go bad in 6 months - I need to replace it again!

Tiny
HONDABOB
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA CIVIC
  • 15,000 MILES
Mechanic diagnosed alternator problem back in June this year. The shorted alternator was replaced and the problem of dragging on turning the key was cured. Now, the car is dragging when the key is turned on. Can the alternator be gone again?
Saturday, November 19th, 2011 AT 3:43 AM

37 Replies

Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
Yes is can if it tests weak these guides will help us with instructions on how to replace the alternator in the diagrams below.

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

and

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

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Saturday, November 19th, 2011 AT 3:56 AM
Tiny
COLLIN HANG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 260,000 MILES
I replaced my alternator and it still puts out the same voltage as my old alternator of 12 volts. I have no idea what to do next.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Is the light on for the alternator?

There is a ELD or electronic load detector in the fuse box that is a common failure for not charging.

I attached a diagram for you. Check and make sure there is power to the unit and a ground.

In most cases, it is a blown fuse in the fuse box caused by a failing alternator.

Roy
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
COLLIN HANG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you so much. There was a fuse that was blown. I didn't know that there was a fuse for the alternator, but I do now. I am going to replace it tonight and see how it goes. Thanks again.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DEBBIESTROUP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 HONDA CIVIC
  • 160,000 MILES
I had the alternaor replaced, speedometer stopped working suddently (needle just dropped), that alternaor was bad, then car wouldn't start, had it replaced again. Then next day it actted like it didn't want to go when I accelerated, then it kept dying, had to jump it but it would immedicately die. Mechanic told me to replace alternaor fuse, which I did ( a couple of times) had battery put on charger, replaced alternator fuse with a 30 amp. Mechanic said it was wires touching. Next day car was hesitating when I accelorated, but it didn't die, it eventually kicked in, but the odometer ( which hadn't been working) went crazy, the needle jumped all the way around past 120mph. Yesterday it hesitated a little bit but not as bad. I have noticed that the odomer only works when I am having this problem with the car, otherwise it doesn't work at all. Any ideas as to what it could be?
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes it may be a bad speed sensor or wires melted there
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DEBBIESTROUP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The mechanic said he checked the speed sensor. What do you mean scan for codes?
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
I fyour service light is on then take to an auto parts they do it for free.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEPHENCCC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 HONDA CIVIC
Electrical problem
1998 Honda Civic 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

How do I remove the alternator?
I have gotten the alternator loose from everything, but theres no space to pull it out at, so really Im just asking were do I pull it out at?
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi StephenCCC,

You got a 6 cylinder engine?
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JULISMAL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 178,000 MILES
Can you please tell me what is the best way to go about replacing an alternator on a 1998 honda civic?
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
You must do it from under the car. Id suggest getting it on jack stands, remove drivers wheel and the splash shield, you will be surprised how much access this will give you. Once you have it unbolted you must twist and turn alternator to snake it out through the bottom. Not too difficult of a job. I hope this helps
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WETONE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 920,000 MILES
I changed my alternaqtor and it still not chageing my battry why
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check for loose generator belt, charging resistance too high, defective generator, loose generator ground wire, corroded battery terminals or faulty generator

Turn ignition on.
If CHARGE warning light illuminates, go to next step. If CHARGE warning light does not illuminate, check for blown fuse No. 15 (7.5-amp) in instrument panel fuse/relay block. Check for blown charging system light bulb.

If fuse and light bulb are okay, repair open in White/Blue wire.

Start engine.
If CHARGE warning light does not turn off, go to next step. If CHARGE warning light turns off, perform generator/regulator test. See

Ensure ignition is on. Check voltage between generator 4-pin connector terminal No. 1 (Black/Yellow wire) and ground. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair open in Black/Yellow wire between generator and instrument panel fuse/relay block.

Turn ignition off. Disconnect generator 4-pin connector. Ground generator connector terminal No. 3 (White/Blue wire). Turn ignition on. If CHARGE warning light illuminates, go to next step. If CHARGE warning light does not illuminate, repair open in White/Blue wire between CHARGE warning light and instrument panel fuse/relay block.

Remove ground from generator connector terminal No. 3 (White/Blue wire). If CHARGE warning light turns off, test and repair generator components. If CHARGE warning light is still illuminated, repair short to ground in White/Blue wire


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic1_617.jpg

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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MARIEVEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 18,000 MILES
What tools would I need to replace the alternator?
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi marievel,

Just simple hand tools.
10, 12, 14 mm hex spanner.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TODDMANZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
1997 Honda Civic EX

I have the alternator detached, but can not remove from engine compartment, stuck between engine, fuel injector bar, master cylinder and wheel well. Also tried out the bottom. Any ideas? The fuel injector bar was not there it would come out, but.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi toddmanz,

Thank you for the donation.

Remove the master cylinder holding bolts and pull it outwards to gain additional space to get the alternator out. Be careful not to damage the brake hoses by bending them too abruptly.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
97CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

I am having trouble removing my alternator from the car.
I have successfully unscrewed all of the bolts and screws keeping it on, and unplugged everything that needs to be unplugged.

The only problem is, is now I can't get the alternator out! It won't fit through the top, and the axle is in the way of the bottom. So it's stuck, and I want to know if there is any tricks to getting it out.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)

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