2017–2021 Acura MDX
Save $700 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $1,200
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| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternator | 31100-5J6-A01RM | $452.52 | |
| Serpentine Belt | 5060460 | $50.00 |
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Follow these steps carefully
Park on level ground and set the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the negative (−) battery cable first so the charging circuit cannot short while you work. Wear gloves and eye protection.
Locate the serpentine-belt tensioner. Use a belt-tensioner tool or the correct socket/breaker bar to rotate the tensioner and slip the belt off the alternator pulley. Note the belt routing (photo or diagram) before removal.
Unplug the alternator electrical connector(s). Remove the nut on the main B+ output stud and free the heavy cable. Cap or tape the cable end so it cannot touch ground while dangling.
Remove the mounting bolts/brackets that hold the alternator. Support its weight as the last bolt comes out — units are heavy and the pulley can catch on hoses or the fan shroud. Maneuver it out of the engine bay.
Compare the new alternator to the old one: pulley type, amperage rating, plug shape, and mounting ears. Transfer any brackets, spacers, or isolation bushings that did not come on the reman/new unit.
Position the new alternator and start all mounting bolts by hand. Tighten to the specified torque. Reattach the B+ cable and torque the nut, then reconnect the harness plug until it clicks.
Route the belt exactly per the diagram. Rotate the tensioner and seat the belt on every pulley, especially the smooth tensioner/idler faces. Double-check rib alignment before releasing the tensioner.
Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and confirm no belt squeal. Measure charging voltage at the battery — typically about 13.5–14.7 V with the engine running. Clear any charging-system codes if needed.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
2017–2021
2001–2006
2017–2021
2001–2006
2001–2006
2017–2021