Part 1: Removing the Alternator Belt
1. Park the car in a safe and level area, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool down. Engage the parking brake and disconnect the battery's negative terminal to avoid any electrical hazards.
2. Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the alternator belt. It is usually located near the front of the engine compartment and connects the alternator to the crankshaft pulley.
3. Loosen the tension on the alternator belt by using an appropriate size wrench to turn the tensioner pulley counterclockwise.
4. Once the tension is released, remove the alternator belt from the pulleys.
Part 2: Removing the Alternator
5. Locate the alternator. It is usually situated on the engine's front or side, typically below the power steering pump.
6. Disconnect the electrical connections going to the alternator by removing the nuts or bolts that hold the wires in place. Label these wires so that you can reconnect them correctly during reinstallation.
7. Loosen and remove the alternator mounting bolts that hold it in place. These bolts may be challenging to access, so you might need to use various tools such as extensions and wrenches.
8. Once the mounting bolts are removed, carefully remove the alternator from its mounting bracket. Be mindful of its weight and any obstacles that may hinder its removal.
Part 3: Installing the New Alternator
9. Before installing the new alternator, inspect it to ensure it's the correct replacement. Check for any damage or defects that might affect its performance.
10. Place the new alternator into its mounting bracket and align the mounting holes. Reinstall the mounting bolts and tighten them securely.
11. Reconnect the electrical connections that you removed earlier, ensuring that each wire is properly labeled and reattached to its corresponding terminal.
12. Reinstall the alternator belt by looping it around the alternator pulley and the crankshaft pulley. Adjust the tensioner pulley to ensure proper tension on the belt.
Part 4: Testing and Finishing Up
13. Reconnect the battery's negative terminal that was disconnected earlier.
14. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any abnormal noises or warning lights on the dashboard.
15. Using a voltmeter, check the charging system's output by measuring the voltage at the battery terminals. It should be around 14 volts.
16. Test the alternator's functionality by turning on several electrical accessories, such as headlights, fans, and audio system, to ensure it can handle the electrical load.
17. If everything seems to be functioning correctly, turn off the engine and inspect the installation area for any loose connections or components.
18. Close the hood, and your 1989 Honda Accord LX should now have a functioning alternator.
