How to Replace Your AP1 S2000's Alternator

Do you have a bad alternator? If you need to install a new one then save the money you'd spend on a mechanic and just follow our step-by-step guide. This how-to is for the 1999-2003 models of the car.

By Thomas Mabson - October 19, 2017

 

STOP.

 

The alternator is no cheap part. I know that like a battery, it won't last forever. What is the failure rate of Honda S2000 alternators?

 

Easiest, but probably not the fastest method, is remove the air box completely first. This makes the alternator accessible to pry out from lower bracket. Using a penetrating catalyst will make this job easier.

 

My MY00 failed at 75k miles. Interesting and dissapointing was the fact that it died by failing to charge the battery. One by one various systems started to turn on warning lights as the battery voltage dropped. Charging light never came on. From what I can read on various forums, this is not uncommon with Hondas (the charging light issue - don't know about the mileage).

I hate idiot lights to begin with, especially when they don't come on when needed. And there's nothing wrong with the bulb - it lights up before the car is started.

The mechanics of the alt were fine - I considered replacing the voltage regulator, but it was a lot cheaper to buy a Denso rebuilt from Rock Auto.

And I agree with Buzzard95023: much easier to do with the airbox out.

 

In doing my '06 AP2 last night, I found the same problem as some others have, that getting the new alternator back into place and wrestling with the lower front bushing and the tight tolerances made fitting it nearly impossible. What worked for me was to remove the throttle body, which allowed fitting the top bolt in and getting it fairly snug, then swinging the lower bracket close and tapping the alternator into place with some light taps with a pry bar and a soft impact rubber mallet. VERY tight fit, but the alignment was dramatically helped by the top bolt positioning. Went from an hour and 15 minutes of struggle to 5 minutes after taking out the throttle body. You results may vary, but it worked for me.