Alternator

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the alternator on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including serpentine belt removal and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Alternator × 1 — Use OEM Honda part or quality aftermarket (120A output)
• Serpentine belt (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours if previously running)
3. Open hood and secure in raised position
4. Take clear photo of serpentine belt routing around pulleys for reference
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal first, then positive terminal
6. Move battery cables away from terminals to prevent accidental contact

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover firmly at the front and pull upward to release the rubber grommets from the mounting posts. Lift the cover away from the engine bay and set aside.
2. 2

   Release serpentine belt tension
   Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Using a 14mm socket and breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise to relieve belt tension. The tensioner pivot is located at the center bolt. Rotate approximately 30 degrees until belt can be slipped off pulleys.
3. 3

   Remove serpentine belt
   While holding tensioner in released position, slip the serpentine belt off the alternator pulley first, then carefully release tensioner and remove belt from remaining pulleys. Remove belt from engine bay. Inspect belt for cracks, glazing, or excessive wear - replace if damage is present.
4. 4

   Disconnect alternator electrical connectors
   Locate the alternator on the lower front right side of the engine. Press the release tab on the main alternator connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Remove the rubber cover from the battery cable terminal (B+ terminal). Using a 10mm socket, remove the nut securing the battery cable to the alternator and carefully pull the cable terminal off the stud.
   ⚠Battery cable terminal carries full battery voltage even with battery disconnected - avoid contact with grounded surfaces
5. 5

   Remove upper alternator mounting bolt
   Locate the upper alternator mounting bolt accessible from above. Using a 14mm socket with extension, remove the upper mounting bolt completely. This bolt secures the alternator bracket to the engine block. Keep bolt in a safe location for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lower alternator mounting bolt
   From underneath the vehicle or reaching down from above, locate the lower alternator mounting bolt. Using a 14mm socket with long extension, remove the lower mounting bolt completely. Support the alternator with one hand while removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove alternator from engine bay
   Carefully maneuver the alternator upward and toward the front of the vehicle. You may need to tilt it at an angle to clear the engine block and other components. Work slowly to avoid damaging surrounding components, hoses, or wiring. Once clear, remove alternator from engine bay.
8. 8

   Install replacement alternator
   Position the new alternator into the mounting location by reversing the removal path. Tilt and angle as needed to fit between engine block and frame. Align the lower mounting hole first, then position upper mounting hole. Verify both mounting holes are properly aligned before installing bolts.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Insert lower alternator mounting bolt and thread by hand to ensure proper alignment. Insert upper mounting bolt and thread by hand. Snug both bolts with socket wrench, then torque lower alternator mounting bolt to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) and upper mounting bolt to 32 Nm (24 lb-ft) using torque wrench. Torque lower bolt first, then upper bolt.
   Torque spec

   Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect alternator electrical connections
    Place the battery cable terminal onto the B+ stud on the alternator. Install the retaining nut and torque to 13 Nm (10 lb-ft). Replace the rubber protective cover over the B+ terminal. Reconnect the main alternator connector by pushing firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection.
11. 11

    Install serpentine belt
    Reference the routing diagram photo taken during disassembly or the diagram on the underside of the hood. Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys except the alternator pulley. Using the 14mm socket and breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise to create slack. Slip the belt onto the alternator pulley last, ensuring it is properly seated in all pulley grooves. Carefully release the tensioner to apply proper tension.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and reinstall engine cover
    Reconnect the positive battery terminal first and torque to 6 Nm (4 lb-ft), then connect negative terminal and torque to 6 Nm (4 lb-ft). Do not overtighten battery terminals. Position engine cover over mounting posts and press down firmly at each grommet location until all grommets are fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify serpentine belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves with no twists or misalignment
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Confirm no tools or parts remain in engine bay before closing hood
4. Double-check that both battery terminals are tight and secure

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no warning lights illuminate on the instrument cluster
• Check that battery voltage is between 13.5-14.5 volts with engine running (use multimeter or observe voltage display if equipped)
• Listen for unusual noises from the alternator or belt area during engine operation
• Verify serpentine belt is tracking properly on all pulleys without slipping or squealing
• Turn on high electrical loads (headlights, climate control, rear defrost) and confirm voltage remains stable above 13 volts
• Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes and recheck for any warning lights or charging system issues

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