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I need to replace the alternator on my '02 LX. I'm ready to buy a cheapie from AutoZone or somewhere. The problem is that I've found some info that says US and CDN models use a different alternator. Mine is a CDN car. The US 1.7 uses a Mitsubishi A5TA7091. The CDN version uses a Mitsubishi A5TA7191.

When I look up the part# at

http://www.wai-wetherill.com/products/ymm.cfm

They tell me that there's no replacement part for the CDN version.

What's the difference and can I use the US version as a direct replacement?

 
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its the same car they should be the same

 
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I agree, but the part numbers don't.

 
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you need a HONDA part number. many times there's variation in the suppliers, they all have the same OEM part number even though the other may not match.
If both of those alternators carry the same honda P/N, then they're both useable.

 
Rep Power: 286

its not not the same. US alternator is different from the cdn one. Ebay auctions always tell you that. Think about it, why would ebay auctions actually warn you that the cdn version is different from the US version.

I don't know the actually difference, but I'm 99% sure they are different part numbers, so I wouldn't buy a US specific alternator. Its easy to say their the same part without research. From my understanding, they are different part numbers, so hence different parts.

 
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i dont get it. its the same damn car

 
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Phuviano is right as far as I can tell. Most places online say that it's not the same. It looks like to find the right one, I need to do a search for the alternator for an '02 Acura EL (a CDN only model). I have no idea why they'd make it different. It's the same amperage.

I guess I'm not getting one for $150.

 
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honda likes to make things complicated. i learned this when i tore out the entire back of my car just to replace 6 x 9's lol

 
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I ended up getting a rebuilt stock unit from a local auto electric place. He charged me $180CDN +taxes. That's around $150 or 155 US I guess. There were a couple of minor hitches when I did the swap. I had a hard time getting the original unit out. It was jammed in tight between the ears of the mounting bracket. Getting the new unit back in was NOT easy either. The outboard mounting lug has what looks like a brass bushing pressed in. It makes re-installation a chore. The threads on the top (pivot) bolt got a little messed up when I did the re-install. The issue is that the bolt does not come out to be replaced. It hits up against the inside of the wheelwell. It looks like you'd have to actually pull the motor to replace that bolt. Either that, or maybe the bracket actually would unbolt, I'm not sure. The tensioning wingbolt for the alternator belt is damn near impossible to get to with normal sized hands. I tried from the wheelwell as well as from on top. Neither lets you get any real tension on the belt. I got it tightened sufficiently, but it was not easy.

All in all, it took me 3 1/2 hours in my driveway with only a 3/8" and a 1/4" socket set. The temperature was only a couple of degrees above freezing. If the weather was a little warmer it would have been a little easier.

I'm glad I did it, rather than pay somebody. For the most part, everything I've done to this car has shown that the car is easy to work on.

 
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I emailed the manufacturer (Mitsubishi) and asked them the difference. Here's the definitive answer:

John,

Yes, they are interchangeable. The difference is that A5TA7191ZC is the Canadian version of A5TA7190ZC. A5TA7191ZC would be a more expensive unit because of the extra corrosion protection. The extra corrosion protection is the only difference.



Linn Janssen

Sales Administrator

So...they are different, but they are absolutely interchangeable. So for 7th Gens, the eBay warnings do not apply.

 
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yea, the 6x9 suck *** to chnage in out cars, but back on topic, that good to kno cuz ima need a new one soon too i thinks