The 2001 Honda Civic was produced in the LX, EX, HX and DX models. All models were equipped with a 1.7-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. The 2001 Civic alternator is accessible from the top of the engine for removal and replacement. Removal of other engine components is necessary to access the alternator. The alternator on the 2001 Civic wears out over time and cannot properly charge the battery. Repairing or rebuilding the alternator is an option, but most people prefer to just replace the alternator for the time it saves versus rebuilding one.
Open the driver's door of the Civic. Plug the memory saver into the cigarette lighter if available. Go to the front of the vehicle, open the hood and set the hood prop. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery, using a ratchet and socket. Insert an open-end wrench on the upper power steering pump mounting bolt, and loosen the lock nut at the other end with a ratchet and socket. Insert the open-end wrench on the lock nut at the bottom of the power steering pump. Loosen the bolt from the nut with a ratchet and socket.
Remove the power-steering-adjust-plate mounting bolt, located just rearward from the top of the power-steering pump. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the bolt completely. Remove the lock nut from the bottom of the power-steering pump, just in front of the valve cover. Add an extension between your ratchet and socket to maneuver around the vacuum tube that is just inward on the engine from the power-steering pump.
Push the power-steering pump rearward to loosen the belt. Remove the belt from the power-steering pump, then remove the power-steering pump from the engine. Do not remove the power-steering hoses from the pump. Set the pump on top of the engine, out of your way.
Reach downward from the top of the engine. Remove the electrical connector from the inboard end of the alternator by hand. Remove the alternator cable nut from the alternator with your ratchet and socket, or an open-end wrench. Remove the alternator cable from the alternator.
Loosen the winged adjuster bolt at the bottom of the alternator, using pliers if needed. Remove the lock bolt that runs perpendicular to the adjuster sleeve and bolt. Use an extension between the ratchet and socket to reach this bolt if needed. Remove the mounting bolt from the top of the alternator. Remove the alternator belt from the alternator, then remove the alternator completely from the engine compartment.
Install the new alternator downward in the engine compartment. Install the upper mounting bolt and start threading the bolt with your fingers to prevent cross threading. Install the lower lock bolt through the adjuster assembly, and thread it with your fingers. Install the alternator belt back onto the alternator. Make sure the belt did not slip off of the large crank pulley at the bottom of the engine.
Ensure the center alignment of the belt on the pulleys, then tighten the winged adjuster bolt until the belt is snug. Tighten the alternator mounting bolt to 33-foot pounds and the alternator lock bolt to 16 foot-pounds with a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket. Place a belt tensioner gauge onto the belt, midway between the alternator and crank pulley. Turn the winged adjuster bolt until the gauge indicates that you have 22-pounds of pressure on the belt.
Install the alternator cable onto the alternator, and tighten it to 17 inch-pounds with an inch-pound torque wrench. Insert the 4-pin plug connector into the alternator, and push it until it clicks and locks into place.
Align the power-steering pump on the engine for installation. Insert the mounting bolt onto through the pump and onto the engine. Install the lock nut and washer onto the upper locking bolt by hand. Insert an open-end wonto the bolt, behind the power steering pulley. Tighten the nut snug with a ratchet and socket. Insert the bottom mounting bolt through the base of the pump, and install the nut on the power steering pulley side. Tighten the mounting bolts and nuts to 17 foot-pounds with your torque wrench and a socket.
Install the power steering belt onto the pulley. Install the winged adjuster plate bolt and turn it clockwise to tighten the power steering pump. Install the belt tensioner gauge onto the belt halfway between the power steering and crank pulley. Turn the winged adjuster bolt above the adjuster plate to tighten the belt, until the gauge indicated that you have 22-pounds of pressure in the middle of the belt.
Install the negative battery cable back onto the battery, and tighten the cable nut snug with a ratchet and socket. Enter the vehicle and locate the card that the dealership included with the vehicle to locate the radio anti-theft code. Turn the key to the "II" accessories position or start the vehicle. Enter the digits using the corresponding preset buttons on the stereo.
