Alternator issue after installing a new battery

2007 HONDA ACCORD

100,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC

JEFF BYRNE2

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My car would not start. I then had it boosted and it did start. I then let the car run for a couple hours. I turned the car off and later that day the car continued to start. I woke up the next day and the car started again.

I then drove to a mechanic who replaced the battery. When I left the mechanics everything seemed fine. Later that day when I started the car the battery light came on (it didn't come on at all until this point) and the car is making a whining noise which seems to indicate there is now a alternator issue. Is this just a coincidence or it it possible when they replaced the battery something could cause this issue? Thanks!

Dec 16, 2020 at 8:37 PM

DANNY L

CERTIFIED EXPERT
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

It's possible your battery might be the problem at all. It's possible the alternator his weak or failing and won't keep the battery charged. I would suggest having the alternator tested to see what its output measures. All auto parts stores will test an alternator for free. Here is a tutorial showing what is involved for alternator testing, removal and replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

You will have to remove the serpentine belt to get the alternator off so here is a tutorial showing how to remove a serpentine belt as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

I've attached pictures steps below on how to remove and replace the alternator on your car and also included how to remove the belt as well. The last picture shows the belt routing in case you forgot after removal. You didn't specify what engine size you have so these steps are for the 4 cylinder. Let us know what you find out after having this done and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Dec 17, 2020 at 10:03 PM