Acura RL (1996-2004 year). Manual — part 320

Alternator Replacement

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio,

then write down the frequencies for the radio's pre-

set buttons.

2. Disconnect the battery negative terminal first, then

the positive terminal.

NOTE: The PCM memory must be reset after recon-
necting the battery (see page

11-125

).

3. Remove the battery and battery base (see page

4-6

).

4. Remove the mounting bolt, lock bolt and adjusting

rod, then remove the alternator belt.

LOCK BOLT

8 x 1.25 mm

22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m,

16 Ibf-ft)

ADJUSTING

ROD

ALTERNATOR
BELT

MOUNTING BOLT
10 x 1.25 mm
44 N-m (4.5 kgf-m,
33 Ibf-ft)

5. Remove the alternator bracket.

ALTERNATOR
BRACKET

10 x 1.25 mm

44 N-m (4.5 kgf-m,
33 Ibf-ft)

8 x 1.25 mm

22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m,

16 Ibf-ft)

6.

Disconnect the 4P connector and harness clip bracket,

then remove the terminal nut and the BLK wire from
the B terminal. Take out the alternator.

BLK WIRE

8 x 1.25 mm

12 N-m (1.2 kgf-m,

8.7 Ibf-ft)

4P CONNECTOR

ALTERNATOR

7. Install the reverse order of removal.

8. Adjust the alternator belt (see page

4-33

).

9. Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the

customer's radio station presets.

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Charging System

Alternator Overhaul

NOTE: Do not remove the pulley unless the front bear-

ing needs replacement.

To loosen the pulley locknut, use the tools as shown. If

necessary, use an impact wrench.

HARNESS
CLIP
BRACKET

PULLEY

END COVER

BRUSH HOLDER
INSULATOR

BRUSH ASSEMBLY
Inspection, page

4-31

22 mm BOX

WRENCH

10 mm BOX WRENCH

PULLEY LOCKNUT

110 N-m (11.3 kgf-m, 81.7 Ibf-ft)

VOLTAGE REGULATOR

RECTIFIER ASSEMBLY
Test, page

4-31

TERMINAL INSULATOR

INSULATOR SLEEVE

REAR HOUSING

SPACER

CAUTION: Do not get grease

or oil on the slip rings.

ROTOR

Test, page

4-32

PULLEY LOCKNUT

110 N-m

(11.3 kgf-m, 81.7 Ibf-ft)

STATOR THROUGH BOLT

STATOR/DRIVE END HOUSING
Test, page

4-32

PULLEY

FRONT BEARING

BEARING RETAINER

Do not disassemble.

REAR BEARING

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Rectifier Test

NOTE: The diodes are designed to allow current to pass
in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direc-

tion. Since the alternator rectifier is made up of eight

diodes (four pairs), each diode must be tested for conti-
nuity in both directions with an ohmmeter that has diode
checking capability; a total of 16 checks.

1.

Check for continuity in each direction, between the
B and P, and between the E (ground) and P termi-

nals of each diode pair. All diodes should have con-

tinuity in only one direction.

2.

If any of the eight diodes fails, replace the rectifier
assembly. (Diodes are not available separately.)

Alternator Brush Inspection

1. Remove the end cover, then take out the brush holder

by removing its two screws.

2. Measure the length of the brushes with a vernier

caliper.

Alternator Brush Length:

Standard: 10.5 mm (0.41 in)
Service Limit: 1.5 mm (0.06 in)

ALTERNATOR BRUSHES

VERNIER CALIPER

If the brushes are less than the service limit, replace

the alternator brush assembly.

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Charging System

Rotor Slip Ring Test

1. Check the resistance between the slip rings.

There should be 2.9 ohms.

If resistance meets the specification, go to step 2.
If resistance does not meet the specification,
replace the alternator.

ROTOR SHAFT

SLIP RINGS

ROTOR

2. Check that there is no continuity between the slip

rings and the rotor or rotor shaft.

3. If the rotor fails either continuity check, replace the

alternator.

Stator Test

1. Check that there is continuity between each pair of

leads.

LEADS

COIL CORE

2. Check that there is no continuity between each lead

and the coil core.

3. If the coil fails either continuity check, replace the

alternator.

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