How to Replace the Alternator - 2003-2006 Honda Element K24 2.4 - Tips and Tricks

Honda Element with a K24 2.4-liter motor. As these cars from the early 2000's (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) get higher and higher up into the miles, the likelihood becomes higher and higher that they will need a new alternator. Symptoms of alternator failure are battery light illuminated on the dash, and/or operating voltage not rising significantly above battery voltage, or, battery dying repeatedly and/or not able to crank the starter. Battery voltage with engine not running should hold steady about 12.6 volts or higher. Voltage with engine running at idle should be about 14 volts. Anything less one iether one, and there is a problem that requires specific diagnosis. Replacing the alternator is not too difficult. It does require getting a few things out of the way first - power steering pump, coolant reservoir, and emissions hose. Of course the serpentine belt must be removed. Difficulty on a scale of 1-10 is 5, due to a few fiddly bits and hard-to-access bolts. Very similar for Honda CR-V with K24.

[@AndyTanguay]

Thank you for this video! Saved me a pile of money by doing it myself! Took just a couple hours and was really satisfying to do it myself.

[@Merryfrankster_]

Thank you for watching and for commenting.

[@danstephens1260]

Great explanation on the lower bolts. I was struggling.

[@Merryfrankster_]

Thank you for watching and for commenting.

[@thomasstebbins-yk4dg]

Thanks so much. I followed this video and my alternator replacement went great! Very easy to understand and well made video! Saved the day!

[@Merryfrankster_]

Thank you for watching and for commenting.

[@kajex1rc351]

thanks for the easy instructions sir!

[@Welder-zo7ju]

Thank you!

[@Merryfrankster_]

Thank you for watching and for commenting.

[@Roverman1]

Thanks for the great advice, went pretty much the way you had it except on my 05 Element the lower alternator bolt closest to the belt had the a/c line blocking access with a socket . I pulled the belly shield and used a long combo wrench from underneath.

[@Merryfrankster_]

They always find something else to put in the way of making a repair, don't they.

[@cgreen339]

I like videos like this! The details and information were presented wonderfully!

[@Merryfrankster_]

Thank you for watching and for commenting.

[@BigBadWolf3]

What are the sizes of all 3 bolts on the alternator?

[@jackchrisman2414]

did you disconnect the battery FIRST?

[@Merryfrankster_]

What do you think.

[@NFS305]

Yes. But you didn’t explain it and that’s an important aspect. If you miss small important facts and we have questions it’s best not to be defensive but make a new video with a complete set of instructions.
Edit: it is mentioned in the middle of the video so it’s also a good practice to watch the entire video first but helpful for the information to be in sequential order.

[@danpatrick2175]

It is mentoned at 4:21 that battery was disconnected.

[@felinefokus]

How do we put the serpentine belt back on? That's the only thing intimidating thing 😄

[@Merryfrankster_]

I have another video that shows that.

[@elizabethf8078]

Great..except you didn't show how to get the belt back on.. you just glazed over that part..

[@Merryfrankster_]

See my new video on putting the belt on.