Alternator - 2006-2011 1.8L Honda Civic

On this episode of Fear No Fix, Chris and Jim replace the Alternator in a 1.8L Honda Civic (model years 2006-2011).
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Tools used:
Socket set: amzn.to/3vYpfGm
3/8 torque wrench: amzn.to/3feIl4e
19MM wrench: amzn.to/3hDgKNb
Screw driver set: amzn.to/3y4RiWy
Breaker Bar:amzn.to/3w92dwD
(Optional)
Impact gun: amzn.to/3htROYg
Multimeter: amzn.to/3frokYs
22MM Wrench: amzn.to/3hDgKNb
(Optional)
Impact gun: amzn.to/3htROYg
Multimeter: amzn.to/3frokYs
22MM Wrench: amzn.to/3hDgKNb
Fix Details:
Symptoms associated with this fix:
• Battery light on
• Engine doesn’t start
• Engine stalls
• Headlights flicker & other electrical system issues
Radio Reset video (for when you finish replacing the Alternator!):
www.youtube.co....

[@millsymillsymillsy]

Your video saved me $600. Thank you fellas!

[@millsymillsymillsy]

The only problem I had, was with the long 12mm bolt on the top of the alternator. You suggested 17 lbs/ft of torque, but I exceeded that just getting the unit into place. With my original bolt, the torque from the last few turns sheered it half way through the threads. I went and got a replacement bolt, and the torque sheered that one at the top of the thread with still 1/4 inch of space between the bolt head and the unit body. I got a couple of washers to reduce the length of space the bolt needed to be closed, and that seemed to work, but I still needed to far exceed the 17 lbs/ft of torque to get the unit in place. I bought a Chinese replacement part and not a factory Honda part. I thought this might be why?

[@itsmark1991]

@@mronemanband1 bullshit. New alternator costs 150$ and now add the cost of labor, no way your paying less then 400$ at a shop

[@bernardfajardo3168]

@@millsymillsymillsy 0

[@cognac8297]

You will be 🔙

[@jaykool7]

​@itsmark1991 BS cause $150 is the price for a rebuilt alternator if you're lucky. I just bought a brand new one at Autozone for over $350. Actually all the brand new ones were over $300. While the rebuilt ones were over $200. I'm not gonna put a rebuit part in my car which has a higher risk of not working later on. I guess you forgot about inflation too huh?

[@MrBlonde47]

This video should be the standard for all “how to” videos on KZbin.

[@danielochoa831]

Chrisfix is very high up there too.

[@Bassplayer8705]

Happens to us all at some point, but you dropped the wrench into the engine bay. I was waiting for an "oops" lol

[@robertmazziottesr5741]

@ the 9:11 mark, lol!

[@HeyHrach]

Thanks so much for the video! As a single mother, I've had to learn how to repair my own vehicle in several different ways but this is a first for me, and I look forward to doing it! Kinda...LOL

[@jameswalker8832]

Rachel it’s not a super difficult job at all. I just did it for the first time and I went a step further and rebuilt the alternator myself and put it back on. The part was less than $40 and took maybe 30 min to install. www.aspwholesale.com/alternator-parts/mitsubishi/voltage-regulators/regulator/brush-assembly-p15201.html This was FAR cheaper than buying a new one from Autozone, their cheapest one was $247.

[@HeyHrach]

@@jameswalker8832 My concern was not having the muscle to loosen the belt. I had planned to do the same and rebuild it but then I found out that it had a warranty so I just swapped it out

[@benriley1987]

Great video, not a mechanic, but got it switched out in about 1 hour! Heeded everyone's warnings on not letting the belt fall off, and had no issues! I think the hardest part of it all was getting the bottom bolt started back into place. Everything else went very well! Thank you!

[@andrecruz4447]

How did you get the bottom bolt off?

[@yaztipan]

@@andrecruz4447 used a deep socket on a 1/4” drive. Then used a wrench for leverage how he demonstrated in the video.

[@twatson479]

Good video with much helpful tips and tricks. Here is my contribution: My belt slipped off the pulleys and I had an ordeal getting the belt rerouted on the pulleys. Had to remove the right tire and wheel well covers to gain access to the pulleys! Found that if a zip tie is slid under the belt before releasing the tensioner to slip the belt off the alternator pulley, that the belt can be tied off to the motor mount with no slack , preventing it from jumping the pulleys..

[@thomaswhissel6405]

THANKS! After watching your video I decided to go ahead and replace the alternator, water pump, belt tightener, new belt and went ahead an purchased a new battery too just because the one in the car is four yrs old and winter is just around the corner so why not (my daughter's 09 Civic). The belt tightener by far was the most difficult part of the project for me. Again thank you for an awesome diy video! It took the entire day but I couldn't have done it without you not to mention it's now done right and I saved a lot of $$$

[@robertmazziottesr5741]

Best part of the video happens between 9:11 and 9:20.

[@italonascimento6648]

It saved me $350 including overpriced alternator and service! Amazing video. Thank you.

[@LemurMonitors]

Happy to help!

[@sgriggs9132]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks to it this afternoon I swapped an old failing aftermarket alternator with a Denso (OEM) reman. My sticking points were 1. getting the serpentine belt off and back on and 2. getting the bottom 12mm mounting bolt off and back on. Lessons learned: 1. As recommended I zip-tied the serpentine belt to the passenger motor mount and I think that saved me a world of grief. Still, I had the belt misaligned by one tooth on a couple pulleys (it was impossible to see in the glare of the afternoon sun of the driveway where I did the repair). That one tooth made all the difference. Once the sun got lower my friend and I were able to see the misalignment, correct it, and voila -- with what seemed like a *ton* of force on the 19mm tensioner bolt we got the belt around the alternator pulley easily. 2. There was no room to fit a 1/2" drive shallow 12mm socket on the bottom mounting bolt. No idea how BlueDriver got a torque wrench on that one. My friend and I resorted to a 1/4" drive 12mm with a swiveling attachment to get that bolt off and back on. I settled for getting it snug, and laughed off using tools I'd normally reserve for my bicycle to repair my car. Whatever works, eh! No more battery warning lights on my dashboard, and everything seems to be running to spec!

[@pablochavez8539]

So that 2 bolt bracket that held the clip HAS to be on the alternator? Is its whole purpose is to hold that pin? Or can I leave it out?

[@yaztipan]

Want to know the answer too. That thing is stuck in there and no amount of penetrating oil gets it out

[@marccometa112]

My car broke down in the worst scenarios you can possibly experience on the road here in the Philippines - heavy traffic, going up a flyover, and raining! Long story short, I bought a Honda-Denso Alternator from a local seller which would be x10 of that if you buy from the Honda shop without installation. This video helped me get my car fixed! I had a hard time releasing the belt but managed to anyway. I only tinker with electronics and this is the first time I actually fixed a car! Thank you very much!

[@jaredhammonds8255]

To unlock your radio pop open the glove box and there is a code inside. Enter the code.

[@robham7752]

Great video, but I'd like to add some information. I have a 2008 Civic LV sedan. Not sure if that makes a difference, but I wasn't able to get the wrench method to work, so I got a loaner Belt Tension tool. I used the 19mm socket, like in the video. I fit very loosely on the tension nut and the result was I didn't have enough space to move the belt tension tool to get the belt back on. As it turns out, the tension nut is actually 3/4", not 19mm. A 3/4" socket fits tight, no slop, no slippage. Once I used a 3/4" socket and had a tight fit, I had enough space to get the belt back on. I just wanted to pass that info on for anyone using a belt tension tool.

[@marcturi8419]

Beauty video!!! What more do you want?

[@kevincovins3546]

Hey I just did Honda pact ... where online or forum you think is best for me when I have questions??? Or just ask you??

[@FD-rh6tr]

9:14 Were you guys able to find it

[@LemurMonitors]

It's lying somewhere in a pile of lost 10mm sockets

[@FD-rh6tr]

@@LemurMonitors I believe you. I dropped my ratchet there and I was never able to find it lmao

[@lucrativel.r2802]

Or just turn the car on and take the red post off from your battery and if the car turns off it’s the alternator

[@emptyplaces1928]

Sometimes they'll still run with a bad alternator. If it's putting out just enough voltage, not enough to charge the battery but enough to run.

[@WorkingOnRocks]

Just used a 19mm wrench and snapped mine with in seconds of trying :/ smh

[@NuyoricanJoseph]

Great video 🙌 Thanks for the adrenaline rush at 9:13

[@LemurMonitors]

Never to be seen again

[@MrBananaSnacks]

Question. I have a Multimeter reading 17.22v with full loads. Could this be a voltage regulator? Also is the voltage regulator inside the alternator? Thanks for any help!

[@willia3r]

Which is better, a Honda OEM alternator or an aftermarket alternator? I have a 2012 Civic LX.

[@kevintii]

Just a couple tips, 1, first remove the belt off the Alternator pulley only so you can see and remove the bottom bolt. The belt is in the way to get a socket on that bolt and also to remove the bolt. 2, Wire wheel, or wire brush the bolts and lube them too go back in easier.

[@jamasottinger6263]

Four years later...hey I followed your instructions on a 2010 honda civic lx coupe, and on the first startup it started smoking. Any idea why?

[@Stormmaniac]

This is an awesome video! Also I am doing a big 3 and want to properly ground my alternator what bolt should be used for the ground?

[@JesseMetayer]

Great video, what was the length of the extension you used to remove the 2nd (10mm) bolt, at the bottom?

[@oscarcarrillo7236]

Thanks for a great video, I was in another city with no tools and with the help of a great person from an auto parts and y'alls video I did it my self. Thanks again.

[@LemurMonitors]

Classic parking lot repair!

[@Doodlebob626]

Great video 👍 but with my luck I barely put any pressure on my tensioner and it snapped in half.

[@MrRoyadin]

I can't get the torgue wrench down there, no idea how to do the bottom one. I need a 12mm socket that's shorter then what i got. lol

[@TheUAPguy]

Honda techs never have the right tools lol I should know I was one 😅nice video

[@gilbertocolon1544]

help me a lot thank you very much

[@jakobe3434]

How much would someone spend on tools? Roughly estimating…

[@meinbherpieg4723]

Thank you friends. I'd buy you a beer but I don't see a link.

[@JohnBaker3000]

Nice tutorial! Thank you!

[@dasboot360]

Was that clockwise on the tensioner ? Or counter ? Thanks again

[@kevtherealest]

Question: for the bottom screw to release the alternator do i need a deep socket ?? Please reply. I'm having trouble get to that screw one of the pulleys is in the way.

[@shakelliadaniels2]

You go girl do your thang Momma gonna make it work Period❤❤❤

[@ope-aaron]

Belt fell off after I finished putting in the new alternator. Are there any tricks to keeping it on the other pulleys or getting it back on? When I put it on the alternator it falls off the back, when I get it on the back it falls off the front. The alternator swap was fairly easy but having a terrible time getting the belt back on.

[@SuperKevinr12]

Tensioner bolt is broke! Story of my life still wrestling with it

[@bravethewildgaming8139]

Forgot to mention a very important tip, be careful to not let the belt fall off. It’s THE BIGGEST PAIN TO GET BACK ON.

[@LemurMonitors]

Some day we'll release the blooper reel So much swearing

[@dianaquick8883]

I replaced mine 2 years ago. We thought it would be a 1 hour job... we didn't have a serpentine tool and didn't know the trick about putting two wrenches together to give more torque. It took 9 hours! We wanted to cry!

[@michaellopez1152]

Thanks .... you guys always make it look so easy. That bottom bolt was super hard to get out. Can't even slip my hands down there. Took me about 3 hrs but I did it

[@jameswalker8832]

GRADE A TOP QUALITY VIDEO!!!!!

[@dondodondodondo]

Very detailed video helps a lot!!!

[@josecandelario284]

The Video: Amazing!!!

[@gougou77332]

The replacement has been done like a charm! Thanks for the video. Especially now in 2022 with the rising cost of living ;-)

[@Carloslopez123y]

Man I jus fixed my alternator jus by watching this video and it helped and it was my first time doin it to… thanks guys

[@LemurMonitors]

Awesome Carlos, glad we could help! Fear No Fix!

[@Carloslopez123y]

@@LemurMonitors yah my belt slipped off but I was able to put it back on but you guys are tha awesome ones because if I never found your video I would have took my car up to the shop so thank you so much I will definitely be watching more videos from you guys

[@LoFhat]

I Love your sound track : )

[@MacAutoDiag]

Just so y'all know, this is way harder than it looks. This video was heavily edited and doesn't show the bs.

[@k-samdj993]

Your video has given me the confidence to swap the alternator on my own.

[@DararithTiv]

I like BlueDriver a lot ....

[@glennrogers4835]

Gentlemen, helped my son replace the alternator yesterday. 2 hrs start to finish. Went very smoothly and we couldn’t have done it without your video to help. I would like to add there were a couple of sticky spots in the process. Our 1/2 inch socket wrench would not fit on the lower bolt, the idler for the belt leaves very little clearance there and a 3 inch extension was too long. Fortunately I had a 1/2 to 1/4 adapter that was about the length of a socket and then using the 1/4 inch socket, after some penetrating oil, thanks guys, it came loose. So just having a short extension is the tick. Also putting the serpentine belt back on was tricky because it came out of the grooved on the back lower pulley and that would have caused us a world of grief, so we went through that a few times. And one more tip, we had an energizer LED headlamp that was so invaluable to see down there. Highly recommend anyone doing this have one. Thanks !

[@tbrad22tb]

Yeah just ran into that problem definitely need smallest socket wrench!

[@pynkidynki]

Student here! This was a super helpful video. The angles were great and using that second wrench was so much easier!

[@ChronicKush]

Literally just did it today on the side of the road following this video on my 06 Honda Civic. The absolute worst part was getting a socket/wrench on that bottom bolt for the alternator as youre basically doing it by brail.. What an absolute nightmare. Besides that the rest of it went very smooth. For once my smaller hands paid off as the belt slipped part way off the rear pulley and the front bottom pulley but I was able to get my hand down in between the wheel well and engine to push the belt back onto the rear pulley and was able to easily slip the belt back on the front bottom pulley. Had my father help me slip the belt back onto the alternator while I used the double wrench trick to push the hydraulic tensioner. Now that I've done it once I can safely say I'm confident if I ever have to do it again I can get it done even without a video or help. Thank you VERY much for this extremely informative video. Life saver. 💯

[@alexhernandez7173]

I know the video is from 3 years ago, but I realized that at 6:24, my alternator is missing some brackets. Do you know where I can find them or what those brackets called? It would be a great help

[@SergioMorello1]

Something to watch out is called pivot bolt, located on the alternator upper bolt area. You may notice your new alternator won't fit in upper fastener area. You need to watch video how to tap it with hammer for more clearance. Easy.

[@SergioMorello1]

Might use hard wire like a hook to keep the belt fixed somewhat upper part

[@ineptadude6158]

@@SergioMorello1 what?

[@coachnatebean]

Perfect demonstration. I paused and replayed the video and was able to get the alternator changed out. Also needed to use BlueDriver's video on the serpentine belt. Saved about $800 (compared to what the dealership was going to charge). I'm still confused how Chris and Jim completed the job in 11 minutes. It took me 5 hours spread out over 2 days in the garage with sweat pouring down my face. All joking aside, the saved money and appreciation from my teenage daughter when the car was fixed made it all worthwhile.

[@LemurMonitors]

Chris and Jim actually work at lightspeed and we had to slow the video down! Very glad we could help, the happy kids is always the best!

[@hectormedina6705]

Thanks for the great video

[@stefanmootoo7747]

Thanks for this video, appreciate it.

[@princegeorge8946]

Yes i am stuck on the 12mm bolt/screw. The socket i purchased is to long. I have to go back to get the right size socket... um the 2 12mm bolts (so far i removed the long one) that supposely remove the alternator i have a smaller bolt thats smaller than 10mm.(under the pulley as you mentioned) Do i have to remove that one as well? I have a deadline to finish this alternator by sunday. I have a 2008 honda civic ex coupe

[@jamesmorrissey6550]

Awesome video! Just replaced my alternator with no problem. It went exactly as the video showed. Thank so much!

[@zerodegrekelvin2]

It cannot get better than this! Many thanks!

[@curtissimpson5004]

Chris sounds like a Newfie

[@jameswalker8832]

I used this video to watch removal. After this I’m going to rebuild and reinstall! Thanks guys

[@LemurMonitors]

Good luck with the repair!

[@jameswalker8832]

@@LemurMonitors smooth as silk!! Nice clean bright lights. No more twinkling. Since I’ve got it down for repairs and maintenance I’m gonna adjust valves, put on new valve cover gasket, and new brakes and rotors all around. I subscribed to the channel, looking forward to more videos. Thanks again guys. James

[@amill1563]

What is the best alternator to install on this generation Honda?

[@LemurMonitors]

The best is probably OEM, but that'll also be the most expensive - nothing wrong with aftermarket parts, but you don't want to get the cheapest rebuilt ones - your local parts store may be able to give you some good suggestions

[@amill1563]

@@LemurMonitors I'm going with Denso.

[@mikeybigfoot1354]

Thanks gentlemen

[@rg8512]

Hey I could appreciate the effort but you can't see nothing that you guys are doing

[@andrecruz4447]

I couldn’t get the bottom lug it off. How do you reach it? My ratchet couldn’t reach

[@PeaceManBro]

Thanks

[@matthewnelson8375]

I honestly can't tell you how helpful this video is and was for me. However I don't think this video does as good of a job in letting you know to triple check the belt when you are done. Unfortunately I didn't do a good job of that, destroyed the belt and had to put a new one on. Also, before you start this project... take a minimum of 12 pictures of your serpentine belt, make sure you get several different angles, it will be very important later on. But pretty much everything that is explained in this video is exactly how the install will go. That bottom bolt is really close to one of the pulleys, so getting a socket on it can be tough to do... just take your time. And when attempting to put that belt back on, you're gonna need 2 people... it's very tough to do it on your own, especially if you are getting putting a new belt on. IF you do decide to install a new belt with the new alternator, the thing that helped me the most was taking the passenger front tire off, and then pulling back the tire shield. This exposed all of the pulleys and made installation so much easier.

[@tucopacificobenedictojuanr2527]

What if it's the voltage regulator? Is it internal or, external.

[@jameswalker8832]

It’s internal. Here’s where I bought mine from. Took maybe 30-45 min to put it on. www.aspwholesale.com/alternator-parts/mitsubishi/voltage-regulators/regulator/brush-assembly-p15201.html

[@yaztipan]

Is the two bolt bracket necessary or only to hold the pins? I can’t get those bolts off. I’m using penetrating oil but it won’t budge

[@fattymoore8889]

@BlueDriver my alternator is charging up to 15 volts and it fluctuates alot this is an alternator problem right?

[@Charr2910]

4:50 Can we buy replacements of these fasteners? The top one of mine somehow broke in half at some point but it seems to be held in place decently enough by the bottom fastener/clip along with the final cable being connected again. p.s. Thanks so much for this video. It really eased the anxiety of starting this job.

[@jacobforaker6222]

I guess Murr wasn’t getting paid enough with Inpractical Jokers. Thanks for the awesome video!!

[@christianarenas7839]

Is it possible to install a new alternator without loosening the belt? The belt bolt to release tension broke off. We were able to take out the old one. But fitting the bottom screw is extremely hard. I was wondering if there were any tips to help find the hole for the bottom screw of the new alternator when installing. Is it possible to see it from the side through the passenger tire side view?

[@Esledinho]

I'm Brazilian and u help me a lot! Thank you so much! 🤜🤛

[@jesseestrada7931]

Nice

[@danielwhite1727]

No good

[@recovery116]

@ 9:12 Whoopsee

[@pablochavez8539]

You saw it too? I was laughing my ass off 😂

[@PerryShriver]

what should i set multimeter at so that i can test batter and alternator.

[@shannonhayne783]

Hi guys . Can you replace the bracket if it gets broken? The lower part not the top bolt or is it part of the block? Thanks

[@multiram50]

are honda tensioners really that hard to push with a cheater being used

[@SpaceRanger187]

what if the alternator is still charging but when the car is off it puts a draw on the battery and drains it is that possible

[@hamzaabdullah7727]

Thanks for posting this video, After watching it I decided to do my self and it wasn't hard .

[@cr7ama]

Thanks, I'm from México and this helped me a lot, it has been helpful your video, now I am able to take out it💯

[@kennywong5640]

great instructional, very detail and concise to the home mechanic, thank you

[@theswearjar5514]

Thank you for the straight forward how to tips! You guys helped me incredibly

[@angelsoto7555]

All of the advice and suggestions helped me finish in under a hour.The hydraulic tensioner was a bit of a challenge but it worked out

[@hpspearsgal]

My alternator is on the outs and this vid is a lifesaver! Y’all explain everything so well that even I, someone that knows nothing about cars, could potentially do it myself.

[@geidicalcagno]

Please help! And thank you so much for your valuable time👍 I changed my car ALTERNATOR 3 times, the last one is from HONDA DEALER. I have a honda 2012 ex, at the autozone they say that the battery voltage is good, but my car continues with the same issue, do not start sometimes after run it for 15 o 30 minutes and parking it for 3 hours or less, what could be happening? Another fact is that if l place the key and play the radio for 30 minutes it dies again and when battery is jump it start...3 months with this problem..which state are you located?

[@LemurMonitors]

We aren't actually a shop - just a couple of people that were lucky enough to get the company to pay for us to play with cars and make videos. That could be a quite a few things - if it isn't charging at all but the alternator's good maybe something like a fuse/fusible link? Could it also be a bad ground/loose wiring/something like that?

[@taytay6529]

I’m having trouble with the tension pulley. Does it suppose to twist up or should I push it?

[@joshuagriffith6905]

What do I do If the bolt that holds the ground for the battery snaps? Do I need to buy a whole new alternator? Or can I replace that stem and bolt

[@bryannicol3097]

Thanks for this great video! You saved me hundreds of dollars!

[@christiannieto9552]

I changed the alternator thanks to your video, very helpful. However, after driving it the next day about 50 miles the check engine light turned on and it wasn't on before. The car sounds and drives good, battery light is off. Is there something I may have done incorrectly or has anyone reading this have this happen to them too? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[@kekun3740]

I don't know if it could be related but just scan it or get it scanned and it's gonna give you an idea of what could be wrong

[@chunt75032]

If you have a new alternator put on and you drive it for about 30 min and the battery light comes back on you take it back and the mechanic has to get another alternator bc the new one is not charging is this an alternator problem or could it be something else

[@Rosarita88]

It's happened to me... I'm on my 3rd replacement alternator... The one I just had put on today lasted 15 minutes and then my battery light came back on 😭

[@mikekotarba5828]

Thank you

[@sold1million]

I’m having trouble with bottom alternator bolt won’t match holes for bolt to screw in 😢

[@Tommyxm]

Thanks! This video helped a lot when I replaced mine

[@kronnospro7233]

Hi guys, nice video. Please, help me. I need a code color in a "arness alternator" 4wires, because the plug is dead, I need a install new, but now don't work my alternator. Thanks a lot

[@kronnospro7233]

Is a Honda civic 8th 2007 Lx automatic, sedan, 1.8 Canadian version

[@unlikely_jack2707]

Thank you gentleman, just replaced my alternator in my Civic. Great video 👍

[@willia3r]

Did you use a Honda OEM alternator for replacement or did you use an aftermarket alternator?

[@johnvantomey]

Don't they make a tensioner tool to release belt?