Hey guys, I dont post much, but I have a question for you guys.

Yesterday, I found out my MY2000 s2000's battery died, so I replaced the battery, then I found out that it was originally caused by my alternator which is only putting out half of the electricity that is suppose to be put out, so I guess I need to get that replaced too. I talked to AutoPark honda, and apparently, my non-powertrain warranty which covers the alternator just ran out back in April(just my luck), so now I got stuck with the bill. I talked to the parts guy there, and he said a new alternator costs $576, which even for him, he said he never seem a price that high for an alternator before, but he said he will help me call around to see if he can find one with a cheaper price, an aftermarket or maybe exact same one as OEM, just not in a Honda box. Can any of you guys think anywhere I can get one cheap, or maybe suggest what should do now with my situation?

Also, I'm not sure how much autopark honda charges per labor hour, I can imagine might be expensive. But I was thinking about the TAO AUTO in cary that suppose be specialized in HONDA/ACURA. Have any of you guys been there before, or heard any stories about that shop before? I just want to make sure it is a good place before taking my car there, and maybe someone can suggest a better shop I can take my car to?

Thanx


Eddie

 

PM Hardtopguy and see what his price is.

 

For an alternator installation, it is really just a bolt on job for the most part, and I would suggest taking your car to a respectable chain repair center like a Pep-Boys or Goodyear, etc. No need to pay the dealer service rate on this one in my opinion.

Maybe you can try to get your hands on the repair manual, study the removal/installation procedures, and consider trying it yourself. The labor cost you save would pay for the book if you decide to do it yourself.

G.

 

Buy the new alt from Hartdopguy, then install it yourself. I haven't looked too carefully on the s2000, but it should only have a couple of bolts and a couple of electrical connectors. You may have to remove the airbox to get room to work, but that's only 3 bolts. I'll take a look in the Helms manual when I get home from work...

 

Inspect your belt as well. If any of the ribs are missing or it looks worn, now would also be a good time to replace it.

G.

 

Okay, so I have decided to do it myself. After looking in the engine compartment, looks like only have to remove the airbox which has like 4-5 screws, plus 2 clamps, and 1 electric plug, so doesnt look too hard. Alternator itself, just loosen the tension belt, 2 screws in the front and 1 screw and a electric plug in the back of the alternator, so hopefully wont take too long to do it myself. Also i found a used alternator from a junkyard off a 2001, and only has 8000 miles on it for $110 including shippin and everything, plus comes with llifetime warranty on parts and labor as long as I own the car.

Thanx guys for all the advices. BTW, where can I get a new tension belt? and how much are one of those belt?


Eddie

 

I'm glad to hear that you're going to give it a shot!

As far as I am concerned, a belt is a belt, and any discount autoparts store can probably get one for you. Personally, I'd call the local Advance Auto and see what they have. The last one I bought for my Buick was $30, and I only replaced it because I had to take it off to get to a water pump connector.

G.

 

A couple days ago, I had a friend to test my new alternator to make sure its working, and he tested it and told me its doing about 14.5v, that is before I put on the vehicle. So yesterday I replaced my alternator, and everything went well, took about an hour and half. Afterward, I decided to take it to advanced auto part to get it test it, make sure it is okay. and the guy said my alternator is still bad, he mentioned something about peak amp is only at 0.5, which normally should be about 5, and said that the alternator is not gonna be able to charge the battery if the peak amp is at 0.5. Does that sound right to anyone? I dont quiet understand the whole thing about voltages and charging! where can I take my car to, to really make sure if it is workin?


Eddie

 

Never trust AutoZone or Advanced Auto Part on alternator testing. If you read above of my story, I had AutoPark honda to check my new alternator today, and they found everything is working, which Advanced Auto Part told me the alternator is still having problems. Then I had another shop to test my original alternator which AutoZone said it was broken.. well guess what guys... that one is also good. The original problem was just simply the battery was old, and needed to replace, THATS all...


Eddie