Are the alternators the same in a 92 Honda Civic Hatchback Si and a 92 Honda Civic Hatchback LX? Autozone list the same alternators for both; However, Honda saids they are different and they don't make re-manufactured alternators for the Si and have to buy then new for $1000; where are the other models only cost $260.00 at Honda. Autozone charges $240 at for both models. They dealership called their people and they said it was different. If it is true, I will get a used one on eBay.

 

They should be the same, or at least fit the same. Remove your old one and take it to the store to compare with the LX type new one.

 

yes they are the same any 92-95 alt is the same. i believe the 88-91 are also the same.

 

Hi my 92-95 book (pdf) says there are two alternator options, nippondenso and mitsubishi. I have not horsed about with the mitsubishi units, but the ND ones go forever. New brushes every 200,000 km and it should be good. Fix your alternator, it's almost always just the brushes, occasionally the rectifier. Brushes area a wear item, new alternators are unnecessary! Of the perhaps 100 I've worked on only ONE was junk, the rest were easily repaired.

 

Thanks guys! It was Honda dealer calling up the main office that said they were different. I just got another used one on ebay but I have noticed when I turn on my AC it would drop the rpm to 100 on a hot day right when I put the car on neutral coming to a stop. I don't know if that is related to the alternator or something else.

 

That's something else. You need to clean the IACV and possibly open the air screw to get more air into the engine so it can sustain the higher load of the A/C. Idle speed is actually programmed to be slightly higher with A/C on than with it off.

Both the compressor (of course) and the alternator are pulling more hp from the engine with A/C on. The alternator needs to generate about 20 amps of power for the fans and compressor clutch.