The work aims to improve corrosion resistance of 5182 aluminum alloy and adhesion of organicpaint film. Azirconium conversion coating was prepared on the alloy in H2ZrF6 solution. The effects of different immersion duration and pH value of the solution on corrosion resistance of the coating were investigated, and the process was optimized as well. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS) and ultramicrotomy were used to analyze microstructure and composition of the zirconium conversion coating. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscope (SKPFM) was used to characterize surface potentials of intermetallic particles in the alloy substrate and analyze formation mechanism of the coating. EIS was used to evaluate and analyze corrosion resistance of the coating. Automatic scratch tester was employed to evaluate the effects of zirconium conversion coating on adhesion of BASF organic coating. Under the optimal process parameters (immersion duration of 2.5 min and solution pH of 4.5), a 50~100 nm thick conversion coating was prepared on the alloy substrate, which was preferentially formed on cathodic intermetallic particles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis indicated that, in the Na2B4O7×10H2O and NaOH solution, low frequency impedance of zirconium-treated sample was about 80 Ω higher than that of the un-treated sample. The scratch test showed that critical load of the zirconium-treated sample was 75% higher than that of the un-treated one. Corrosion resistance of 5182 aluminum alloy is improved after being treated in the optimal zirconium treatment process, and adhesion between organic coating and alloy substrate are significantly improved by zirconium conversion coating as intermediate layer.