Acura MDX / Honda Pilot Alternator Repair! Replace The Overrunning Alternator Decoupler/Pulley OAD

If your car's voltage output sporadically drops into the 12.4 range (you can monitor the voltage using a LCD cigarette light socket plug in voltage display), don't be in a hurry to replace the alternator; it may be your alternator pulley. Most late model cars now have overrunning clutched alternator pulleys that engages the alternator shaft and can only turn in one direction ... like a a old fashion single speed bicycle. As you slow down and your engine's rpm's drop, the pulley will disengage from alternator and will "free wheel" for a few seconds until the the clutch re-engages. The overrunning alternator decouple is a wear item and should be considered for replacement as part of preventative maintenance at or around 100,000 miles. Rebuilt alternators with OAD's tend to been more expensive that non OAD's. New replacement OAD pulleys are relatively inexpensive when compared to a replacement alternator.

Parts and Specialty Tools:

Cigarette Lighter Voltage Meter

Lisle 57650 Alternator Decoupler Tool Set

Honda / Acura Alternator Pulley fits:

ACURA MDX 2014-2018
ACURA RDX 2013-2018
ACURA RLX 2014-2020
ACURA TLX 2015-2019
HONDA ACCORD 2011-2017
HONDA ACCORD CROSSTOUR 2011
HONDA CROSSTOUR 2012-2015
HONDA ODYSSEY 2011-2019
HONDA PILOT 2012-2019
HONDA RIDGELINE 2012-2019

Continental 49936 Overrunning Alternator Decoupler Pulley

ACDelco 37201P Professional Alternator Decoupler Pulley

Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8" Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only)

As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!

[VeryPersian]

Great job. I find just an impact can spin those off even easier than using a kit. I agree after 100k those clutches are worn out. I have read manuals from litens describing the lifespan of these. Still I just change the whole alternator. All that labor and the bearings and brushes are worn.

[tonynguyen]

My car voltage output would drops into 12.2 v range when I hear a click from the alternator then would spike back to 14.3v, saw your video, replaced the AOD pulley, now output voltage constant at 14.3.

[Dr.LessCharacter]

Perfect how to vid, I am impressed & subscribed!

[bwest-yquc]

Good job on the video and camera work. Informative video for Acura.... they are always different, some how,

[hectormunguia]

My goodness. The labor on this has me praying it’s my alternator now🤦🏽‍♂️

[CesarHernandez-wntk]

Oh yeah daddy I love your videos soooo much

[scottlanier]

An impact with 19mm hex would zip pulley right off. Those pullys rarely go bad...usually just brushes

[arnoldanderson]

Where can the rebuild kit, including the plastic cap, be purchased?

[teenice]

I noticed it's reverse threads. Correct? I have a 2012 accord v6 cvt automatic transmission. Is it also reverse threads? I'm going to be doing this when my pulley arrives. Thanks in advance! Nice vid!!

[nilolee]

What year is the car you’re working on ? thanks

[WizzRacing]

The infamous 17mm Belt Tension... When one pulls in.. I look to make sure someone has not stripped that head... As you will an hour getting the belt off. So I just replace it....The next tech will love you....

[Floridamarty]

Nice that Honda made the repair so easy to do (sarcasm).