[RIPAccordCoupe]

So my alternator just died. It's unfortunate but I expected it, as I know it's a common issue with these cars. I am going to buy a replacement. I do not want to buy something cheap, I'd rather buy a new one but it looks like I'll have to go with a remanufactured one. A lot of people were suggesting one from Denso. Do any of you have experience with denso alternators or remanufactured alternators in general?

Thanks!

Okay guys! Thanks for all the help. I am going to get a Denso remanufactured alternator!

 

[dgates01]

You can get a remanufactured Denso alternator from RockAuto for about 160 bucks. They'll add a $70 core charge to that, but if you mail them your old one you'll get that back. If you've got the time to wait for it to be delivered, that seems to be a good choice.

.

 

[DerekWildstar]

Let me summon @TX Accord into this conversation, as he's our parts longevity guru.

Denso has a good reputation for remanned alternators. Of course, nothing is 100% guaranteed, but I'd say get one from Rock Auto and throw it in. According to their website, it comes with a 12 month warranty from RA, so just make sure it behaves after you install it, and then just drive.

 

[TX Accord]

Hey, thanks! Here's my post about when my alternator went out. The one I got from O'Reilly now has over 300k on it.

One owner '03 Honda Accord EX V-6 6-spd trying for...

I'm starting a thread to document the push to get our Accord to one million miles and beyond. My wife bought our Accord at Pensacola Honda in 2003. It was her primary car for several years and now it is my daily driver. It has been a phenomenally reliable car and is still in great shape...

www.driveaccord.net

 

[WiiMaster]

Reman Denso is not only good, I'd recommend it over probably anything other than a brand new Denso.

 

[visionguru]

How did the alternator fail? Large percentage of alternator failures are just worn brushes, a $10 part and very easy to replace.

When my alternator started to fail at 180k miles and 18 years, a new brush was all it needed

 

[RIPAccordCoupe]

How did the alternator fail? Large percentage of alternator failures are just worn brushes, a $10 part and very easy to replace.

When my alternator started to fail at 180k miles and 18 years, a new brush was all it needed

I was driving and I noticed the "low battery" warning light. I drove some more and came home for the day. Then, yesterday I went to drive to work and started my car. I opened the hood to be safe and it was good I did that because I heard a whirring noise and then there was smoke coming from the alternator and then a burning smell... The car is now completely dead. Won't start.

Hope this helps give more context.

 

[visionguru]

I was driving and I noticed the "low battery" warning light. I drove some more and came home for the day. Then, yesterday I went to drive to work and started my car. I opened the hood to be safe and it was good I did that because I heard a whirring noise and then there was smoke coming from the alternator and then a burning smell... The car is now completely dead. Won't start.

Hope this helps give more context.

Looks like you do need a new alternator. If a new OEM is too pricy, a reman OEM might be the way to go, based on anecdotal talks on forums.

 

[RIPAccordCoupe]

Looks like you do need a new alternator. If a new OEM is too pricy, a reman OEM might be the way to go, based on anecdotal talks on forums.

I have been unable to find a place to buy OEM. Maybe because of the age of the car they're hard to find. I'm gonna get a reman Denso I think.

 

[WiiMaster]

I have been unable to find a place to buy OEM. Maybe because of the age of the car they're hard to find. I'm gonna get a reman Denso I think.

You should be good with that. Usually RockAuto is the cheapest, though you may have to wait a bit for shipping.

 

[dgates01]

Hey, thanks! Here's my post about when my alternator went out. The one I got from O'Reilly now has over 300k on it.

Was the one you got at O'Reilly new or remanufactured? I put in a remanufactured Ultima (O'Reilly brand) in my 7th gen a few years ago, and it lasted a month. It was nice to have the warranty, as I simply got another one. But at the time I had wished I had gotten a new alternator instead. At least they are super easy to take out and install.

 

[tdi200]

not sure if @RIPAccordCoupe has gone through some threads on here when it comes to alternator failure? number 1 cause of failure is due to fact the front spool valve (VCM solenoid positioned right over the alternator, ) is leaking onto alternator if u dont fix that your new alternator will fail again. also i suggest u to get some low mile used alternator from lkq

video on how to change/replace gasket:

or you can get non oem solanoid from napa for around $162 direct link= https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHVVS1838?ref=MA==

this alternator from 2012 accord is direct fit (i had bought one from lkq which was from 2012 manual car and it worked perfectly on my 2008 accord automatic) has like 49k miles on it for like $100 free shipping and no core fee (assuming you in the states) direct Link to the used alternator = LKQ Online

 

[TX Accord]

Was the one you got at O'Reilly new or remanufactured? I put in a remanufactured Ultima (O'Reilly brand) in my 7th gen a few years ago, and it lasted a month. It was nice to have the warranty, as I simply got another one. But at the time I had wished I had gotten a new alternator instead. At least they are super easy to take out and install.

I just looked up on their website for my car. I was pretty sure it was a reman Ultima, but wanted to confirm. They have two Ultima remans listed for my car, but no new versions of that so I def got the reman. It was what I needed to get back on the road and the Autozone one was junk. Advance didn't have one in stock.

You're right - it was super easy to replace.

 

[DIY Fan]

FYI, the front spool valve gaskets are super easy to replace. Honda does not make OEM gaskets (anymore?) they just sell the entire valve. I chose some aftermarket (chinese) gaskets from Amazon based on the reviews and so far they are working fine. Installed on two different cars. Make sure to torque correctly to 9lb-ft or you might get a CEL.

 

[bduede]

Just to add some additional context - I had my OEM alternator rebuilt after 240,000 miles. It needed a major rebuild (not just brushes). The rebuild only lasted another 25,000 miles, though. There is something to be said for just purchasing a new one if you plan to keep the car for many more years, as well as monitoring for any leaks from the power steering pump or spool valves.

 

[WiiMaster]

not sure if @RIPAccordCoupe has gone through some threads on here when it comes to alternator failure? number 1 cause of failure is due to fact the front spool valve (VCM solenoid positioned right over the alternator, ) is leaking onto alternator if u dont fix that your new alternator will fail again. also i suggest u to get some low mile used alternator from lkq

video on how to change/replace gasket:

or you can get non oem solanoid from napa for around $162 direct link= https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHVVS1838?ref=MA==

this alternator from 2012 accord is direct fit (i had bought one from lkq which was from 2012 manual car and it worked perfectly on my 2008 accord automatic) has like 49k miles on it for like $100 free shipping and no core fee (assuming you in the states) direct Link to the used alternator = LKQ Online

Agreed, although if OP has a manual coupe it's irrelevant. Only on the automatic coupe.

 

[RIPAccordCoupe]

not sure if @RIPAccordCoupe has gone through some threads on here when it comes to alternator failure? number 1 cause of failure is due to fact the front spool valve (VCM solenoid positioned right over the alternator, ) is leaking onto alternator if u dont fix that your new alternator will fail again. also i suggest u to get some low mile used alternator from lkq

video on how to change/replace gasket:

or you can get non oem solanoid from napa for around $162 direct link= https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHVVS1838?ref=MA==

this alternator from 2012 accord is direct fit (i had bought one from lkq which was from 2012 manual car and it worked perfectly on my 2008 accord automatic) has like 49k miles on it for like $100 free shipping and no core fee (assuming you in the states) direct Link to the used alternator = LKQ Online

Others have told me about that in the facebook group I'm in. I checked for signs of leaking oil but couldn't see any evidence of that. I was planning on cleaning my engine (at least around that area) after replacing alternator (it was burning so I definitely need a new one). Once that area is clean I was going to inspect and check for leaking oil. If it is the spool valve, is it easy to replace at home? Or will I need to go and pay a shop to do it?

 

[RIPAccordCoupe]

Agreed, although if OP has a manual coupe it's irrelevant. Only on the automatic coupe.

Nope, I have the automatic, so I have the whole "eco" mode and the issues that come with it.

 

[WiiMaster]

If it is the spool valve, is it easy to replace at home? Or will I need to go and pay a shop to do it?

It's not too bad at all, it's right in the front so it's not like replacing the rear bank spool valve. This video is on an Odyssey but the process is the same here:

 

[RIPAccordCoupe]

not sure if @RIPAccordCoupe has gone through some threads on here when it comes to alternator failure? number 1 cause of failure is due to fact the front spool valve (VCM solenoid positioned right over the alternator, ) is leaking onto alternator if u dont fix that your new alternator will fail again. also i suggest u to get some low mile used alternator from lkq

video on how to change/replace gasket:

or you can get non oem solanoid from napa for around $162 direct link= https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHVVS1838?ref=MA==

this alternator from 2012 accord is direct fit (i had bought one from lkq which was from 2012 manual car and it worked perfectly on my 2008 accord automatic) has like 49k miles on it for like $100 free shipping and no core fee (assuming you in the states) direct Link to the used alternator = LKQ Online

It's not too bad at all, it's right in the front so it's not like replacing the rear bank spool valve. This video is on an Odyssey but the process is the same here:

Okay. I'm a complete noob with working on cars, I know how to do an oil change, that's about it. However, I have been watching videos about replacing an alternator, and now replacing the solenoid. It doesn't seem to difficult, plus my family has thousands of dollars worth of tools, and they're experienced (rebuilt classic cars and take removed engines etc.). I hope I will be able to do it without issues.Thanks for your help.