2003 Honda Civic Altenator Issues

STEVEOSHAUG

MEMBER
2003 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
134,000 MILES

After having the timing belt, water pump, spark plugs and air filter changed, my 2003 Civic is idling between 500-750 rpm and will shutter every couple of seconds. The battery voltage will drop to 12.3 volts when accelerating and at idle and returns to 14.2 when gliding. This has happened 1st day of driving after the above repairs and the 3rd day. Day 2 the voltage stayed at 14.2.

Is this an alternator or voltage regulator problem? Also, is it a DYI job to change just the voltage regulator or are the alternator and regulator sold together?

Thanks

5 Replies

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

Hello .. thanks for the donation .. much appreciated

The alternator is replaced as a unit and is an esay DIY job ...Because of the work you have had done to the vehicle, I would be checking the wiring connections are secure and clean before replacing the alternator !! it sounds like you may have a loose connection .. hope this helps .. let me know

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
ALTERNATOR
Removal
Ensure you have the anti-theft code the radio. Write down the frequencies for radio's preset buttons.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Remove the adjust plate mounting bolt "A", locknut "B" and mounting bolt "C". Remove the Power Steering (P/S) pump belt "D" and pump without disconnecting the P/S hoses. See Fig. 9 .
Disconnect the 4 pin connector "A" and alternator cable "B" from the alternator. See Fig. 10 .
Loosen the adjusting bolt "A", and remove the lock bolt "B" and mounting bolt "C". Remove the alternator belt and alternator. See Fig. 11 .
Fig. 9: Removing Alternator Components
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

SPONSORED LINKS

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Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 AT 8:27 AM

STEVEOSHAUG

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thanks Dave, a big help. A bolt was loose (B in the alternator drawing) and this cause the belt to loosen.

Thanks for the thorough answer!

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Thursday, March 12th, 2009 AT 6:50 AM

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

Hey.

No problem .. that's why we are here ...feel free to spread the word of our forum to your friends and family ... again, thanks for the donation and feedback .. and we are here should you ever need our assistance in the future !

Happy Motoring

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Saturday, March 14th, 2009 AT 5:14 AM

JEREMYERICKSONMCP

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Dave, I am trying to install a new alternator in my 2003 civic. I was able to get the existing one out without too much difficulty, however, putting it back in seems impossible. Refering the the 3rd illustration above, Part A on my car is rusted solid and there is no way to move the bolt with the nut and wingnut on it. I can get the belt back on the alternator but I cannot then move the alternator in place to bolt it. Is that because its already tensioned and without Part A working, I probably won't be able to get the alternator back on? If so, what is the Part A actually called or would you have a part number or something so that I can try to purchase one? Thanks for the help.

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Friday, November 4th, 2011 AT 2:06 AM