The alternator on your Honda Accord is not difficult to replace. The design of the alternator allows it to handle varying electrical loads that the Honda requires during normal operation. This makes it easy for you to flip on the windshield wipers or the heater as you drive down the road. People often automatically blame the Accord's battery when there is a failure and the car will not start. The reality is that it may be the alternator and not the battery.
Disconnect the negative battery cable, loosening its nut with a wrench.
Remove the bolts on the power steering pump with a socket and ratchet. Remove the power steering pump but not its hose. Set the pump off to the side.
Unplug the voltage regulator from the alternator. Disconnect the electrical leads by removing the nuts with the wrench. Release the tension on the alternator belt by turning the adjusting bolts counterclockwise with the socket and ratchet until the belt is loose.
Remove the bolts from the alternator with the ratchet and socket. Pull the alternator out of the Honda.
Install the new alternator into the Accord and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the belt onto the alternator pulley and turn the adjusting bolt clockwise with the socket and ratchet until the belt is at the proper tension. Proper tension on the belt is when you can depress the belt ¼ of an inch with your finger on its longest span.
Plug the voltage regulator harness into the alternator. Connect the electrical leads and tighten the nuts with the wrench. Mount the power steering pump in place on the engine and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Reconnect the battery terminal and tighten the nut with the wrench.
