The alternator on the 1988 Honda Prelude sits next the upper cylinder head of the engine, which makes it very accessible, and thus easy to replace. When you are ready to install the new unit, first measure the new alternator's pulley diameter, width and number or ribs to make sure you have the correct replacement for your particular Prelude model. You can then change the unit in your own garage and using a few simple tools.
Tools Used: Wrench, Small screwdriver (optional), Ratchet, Socket set, Small wrench, Ratchet extension
Change an Alternator
Remove the Old Alternator
Open the hood of your Prelude and disconnect the ground battery cable, using a wrench. The ground cable terminal is hooked to the negative (-) battery post.
Unplug the harness connector from the back of the alternator. If necessary, use a small screwdriver to carefully lift the lock tab on the plug as you pull the connector from the alternator, then remove the wire harness from the clip using a ratchet and socket.
Unscrew the wire terminal nut from the back of the alternator, using a small wrench, and take off the wiring from the alternator terminal stud.
Loosen the top alternator through-bolt, using a ratchet and socket.
Find the lower mounting bolt under the alternator. This mounting bolt goes through a cut-out of an adjusting bolt's head. The adjusting bolt is tightened by an adjusting nut, which is used to provide tension to the alternator belt.
Loosen the adjusting nut located under the alternator enough to remove the tension from the alternator belt. Use a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Unfasten and remove the lower alternator mounting bolt, using a ratchet and socket.
Slip the alternator belt off the alternator pulley.
Remove the top alternator through-bolt and the alternator from the Prelude's engine compartment.
Install the New Alternator
Set the new alternator in its mounting position in the engine compartment.
Fasten the top alternator through-bolt until it is finger-tight.
Install the lower alternator mounting bolt, making sure it is finger-tight and that the bolt goes through the adjuster bolt's head.
Slip the alternator belt over the alternator pulley.
Tighten the adjuster nut to provide the adequate tension to the alternator belt. Use the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Tighten the top alternator through-bolt, using the ratchet and socket.
Tighten the lower alternator mounting bolt, using the ratchet and socket.
Install the wiring to the alternator stud and tighten the wire terminal nut, using the small wrench.
Plug the harness connector to the back of the alternator.
Connect the ground battery cable, using the wrench.
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