How to Replace a 2005 Honda Accord Alternator

by Cayden Conor

Before replacing the alternator in your 2005 Honda Accord, be sure the battery is not the culprit. If the alternator is not grinding or making other noises, check the battery voltage with a voltmeter. When the engine is off, the battery should have 12 to 12.5 volts. When the engine is running, it should have 13.5 to 14.5 volts. If this is not the case, charge the battery then recheck the voltage. If the voltage is still low, the alternator or wiring is at fault.

Step 1

Disconnect the negative battery cable and lay it aside, ensuring that it does not touch metal. Disconnect the wires on the back of the alternator by removing the nut and pulling the wires off. Unplug the wiring harness from the harness connector by prying the plastic holders away from the plug with a screwdriver. Be careful not to break the connections on the plug.

Step 2

Unbolt the power steering pump but do not remove the power steering lines. Set the power steering pump out of the way. Unbolt the cruise control actuator but do not remove the cable. Move the cruise control actuator out of the way.

Step 3

Loosen the through-bolt on the alternator then the adjusting bolt. Push the alternator towards the engine to loosen the tension on the belt. Lift the belt off the pulleys. Unbolt and remove the alternator.

Step 4

Install the new alternator and tighten the through-bolt and adjusting bolts just enough to hold the alternator in place. Reinstall the power steering pump by bolting it back into place. Route the belt around the pulleys according to the belt routing diagram on the radiator shroud or the inside of the hood. Pull the alternator away from the engine to tighten the belt. Tighten the through-bolt and the adjuster bolt firmly.