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&(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.