How to Change an Alternator
When a vehicle's alternator is functioning properly, it will put out between 13 and 18 AC volts that power the electronics and ignition system while recharging the battery. But, if it delivers less than 13 volts, the alternator will fail to keep the battery recharged. You can save money when you replace your alternator by doing it yourself and following the steps below.
Steps
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1Disconnect the positive battery cable. Please take note the positive battery cable is red an not black.Ad -
2Locate the alternator on your particular vehicle. -
3Use a serpentine belt tool to loosen the belt and move it off the pulley of the alternator. -
4Put back the bolts that hold the alternator in place. It will be a minimum of 2, and no more than 4, bolts depending on your make and model. -
5Employ a socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the bolts. -
6Pull out the alternator, then unplug and remove the nut for any electrical connections. -
7Remove the alternator from the engine and take it to the parts house in order to get a new or rebuilt one. -
8Inspect the new alternator, while still at the parts house, comparing it to the old one. Make sure the voltage regulator and pulley match up to the old one. If it does not, get the parts house to put the old pulley assembly on the new one. -
9Reverse the process to install the new alternator. -
10Connect the electrical plugs and wires onto the new alternator. -
11Slide the alternator into place and begin threading the old bolts in the right position. -
12Put the alternator pulley back into place, bolting it down. Be sure to check the alignment with the belt tensioner pulley. -
13Use the serpentine belt tool to get the slack you need and slip the belt back over the alternator pulley. Now release the tool by putting tension on the belt. -
14Reconnect the positive battery cable. -
