Honda Element & CRV Alternator Replacement With Diagnosis

Personally, I really like this video. I hope you do too.

Topic

[Christopher KratzParticipant]

Regarding those 2 lower bolts, considering how far you’re reaching down into the engine bay in addition to not being able to see them, would it not be easier to access those 2 bolts from below? I’ve never worked on a Honda Element so I would imagine there must be some sort of obstacle that prevented you from doing so. If not, what did you get that lift for?!

[EricTheCarGuyKeymaster]

If I remember correctly they were difficult to reach from underneath as well.

[MikeParticipant]

Good video, informative.

Just two quibbles from the peanut gallery. First, it’s a good idea to unplug the electric radiator fan when jamming your hands underhood on a warm engine. Those fans can start up at any time, even with the engine off. Second, when cutting the excess off a zip tie, a utility knife will allow you to make the cut flush with the top of the connector. It’s much safer than having an engine bay bristling with razor-sharp plastic stubs. I’m sure we’ve all been raked by plastic thorns over the years. Not fun. (After cutting, I take the time to make a few passes over the connector with a file to blunt anything that may still be sticking out.)

[EricTheCarGuyKeymaster]

Fans can’t come on with the (-) batt cable removed which is the first thing I did. As for the zip tie, I ended up replacing the radiator and used a regular fastener so the zip tie is no longer there.

Thanks for your input.

[MAUREEN A GLASKINParticipant]

yes, my number 15 fuse was blown…..so i replaced it and it blew again……does that mean i need to replace the element?

thanks maureen

[EricTheCarGuyKeymaster]

It likely means you have a short in the wiring somewhere.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems

[Paul ChristophersenParticipant]

I don’t have a power and ground meter, but using a voltmeter with the engine running I am getting 7.6volts on the white-green wire. Is that low enough that it should still trigger the alternator to charge? Or does that indicate a problem with the ELD or (hopefully not)ECM?

[Paul ChristophersenParticipant]

I went ahead and replaced the alternator, and that fixed my charging issue. So even if you see 7.6volts on the white-green wire, it still may be a bad alternator. Hope this information helps someone in the future.

[Author]

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