97EX

hey. like a week or so ago, i was at a light. The rpms dropped down to about 500 or so. It was noticeable. since then it hasnt happened. today i was driving and my deck turned off. i drove around again for another 15 min or so and it hasnt happened again, yet. i am assuming that this could probably be the alternator warning that its gunna crap out??? also, the last couple times i turned my car off, the door locks didnt automaitically unlock. i had to press the unlock button on the door panel to unlock it.

i hope its not. but if it is, where can i get it tested in the gta? will it cost money to test it? also, any idea where to go and what it will cost for a rebuilt one installed in my 97 ex?

thanx alot,

Eirik

Bradsma

Sounds like what was going on in my car. I could drive and my tach would drop to 0 rpms. Just bought and replaced mine on Saturday. I had to get one for my 1990. Cost me $190 plus tax and took about 2 hrs to replace. Fisrt time I've ever done it.

I would go with a new one as opposed to getting a rebuilt or fixing yours. Just peace of mind. Have a lot of buddies that fixed and had problems in a year or so.

97EX

is it really difficult to change? i know its in a tough place to get to withought a hoist. im not a mechanic, but i can do minor fixes, tune ups, brakes etc.

97EX

wheres a good place to get an alternator? besides honda

Bradsma

I am no mechanic either, do about the same as you. I just jacked the car up all the way with my jack, put stands under it and went to town. Definetly not as easy as with a hoist but it wasn't terrible. Mine was located in the bottom of the engine bay on the drivers side. Runs off a belt some that's probably where yours is too.

You can but them at Partsourse, Napa, CT.

Bradsma

Asuming you have a D16Y8 in your car, from what I looked it up on Partsource.ca an alternator will run either 259.99 or 299.99.

3rdgen3

You can buy a complete D16y swap for that much

Use a multimeter to test your alternator.

It shouldnt take any more than 15 minutes to change an alternator on an EK after you've jacked it up. Theres a 14mm bolt on the bottom, a 12mm bolt on the top and the main power wire and the ignition/start wire.

It has to be done from underneath but its VERY easy and straight forward.

If your in the Mississauga area, check out Mississauga Alternator if you need an alternator OR put up a WTB add on here or ****.

97EX

i really appreciate your help. thanks alot. i've never used a multi meter before. what should it read at? what point do i take the reading? i dont even have a mulit meter. is there sumwhere i can have it checked for free?

thnx again

Sumol15

If you can pull it out, partsource can check it out for you for free I believe, call in advance to find out for sure.

You sound like you're guessing a lot, personally I don't like to guess, means I'll screw something up. Ask Chris V2 or Zeeman, they changed mine a while ago and got me a good price.

jamie1985

The easiest way to get at your alternator is through the passenger side wheel well. You don't even have to get under the car. Try the junkers for an alternator if you dont want to fork over that much dough....I got a virtually brand new one from the wreckers for $75 and it was a stock replacement Nissin one.