How can I get an alternator out of my car?

With the belt pulled off of the alternator pulley and the wires disconnected, the alternator should come out freely. You may need to wiggle the alternator around some things in order to remove it. Keep track of how you worm the alternator out of the engine bay to help squeeze the new one in. Compare the new alternator to the old one.

Do you need to remove serpentine belt to change alternator?

As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.

How to replace an alternator on a 1995 GMC?

Somewhere on your vehicle there is a tensioner pulley. You’ll need to move it enough to slip the belt off the pulley. Our ’95 GMC has a standard spring-loaded GM tensioner that required us to pull it back with a wrench.

Can a manual tensioner be used to replace an alternator?

The belt tensioner will only travel (swing) so far which can make installing the belt difficult. Never pry or force the belt onto the pulley. Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. 7

How do you remove an alternator?

Removing the Old Alternator Relieve tension on the belt with the auto-tensioner (if equipped). Loosen the bolts on the alternator if there is no auto-tensioner. Inspect the serpentine belt for damage. Remove the alternator from the engine bay. Compare the new alternator to the old one.

How do you hook up an alternator?

Connect a 10-gauge wire from the output stud on the alternator back to the positive battery terminal. Make both connections with a solderless ring terminal. This connection can be made at the starter relay also, as long as it connects to the same terminal as the positive cable from the battery. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.

How do you change an alternator belt?

How to Replace Alternator Belt in 5 Steps Step 1 – Check the Alternator Belt Step 2 – Release the Tension Step 3 – Get Familiar with the Alternator Belt Step 4 – Install the New Belt Step 5 – Make the Final Check

What is an alternator pulley?

An alternator pulley is a device that allows a vehicle’s alternator to be turned by a belt, which is driven off of the engine’s accessory drive system.

Where is the insert jack on an alternator?

Insert jack stands beneath the vehicle for safety once it’s jacked up. Remove the main power cable from the alternator. The main power cable will be the thick cable attached to the alternator that runs from the battery.

How can I tell if my alternator has an auto tensioner?

You can tell if your vehicle uses an auto-tensioner by looking at the alternator mounting bracket: if the bolts can slide from side to side in the bracket, it does not have an auto-tensioner. You will need to slide the belt off the alternator pulley before you release the auto-tensioner.

How do you change the alternator on a V6 Saturn?

On V6 models, use a wrench on the tensioner’s center bolt and turn it clockwise; then remove the drivebelt tensioner by removing its two bolts. Pull out the mounting bolts for the alternator and disconnect its electrical connector.

How do you replace an alternator in a car?

Loosen and remove the two mounting bolts that secure the alternator to the engine block, using a ratchet and 13mm socket. Manipulate the alternator to remove it from under the car. Slide in the replacement alternator and attach the positive battery wire to the back of it, securing it with the nut you removed earlier.

How do you disconnect the battery on a Saturn?

Disconnect the battery by turning the positive terminal bolt counterclockwise. Lay the terminal wire aside. Do not allow it to touch the battery. Jack the Saturn up at the passenger side wheel and remove the wheel by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise. Set the wheel and tire aside.

As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.

Where do I install a new alternator belt?

Install the new V-belt on the engine pulleys first (and on any other engine accessory that it drives) and finally, on the alternator pulley. If the new V-belt is not the right size you can temporarily re-use the old belt. You can visit the parts counter again to get the correct size, and install a new V-belt at a later time.

Where does the power cable for an alternator come from?

The main power cable will be the thick cable attached to the alternator that runs from the battery. Depending on how much space you have in your specific vehicle, you may be able to use a ratchet, but in some, you may only be able to fit an open-ended wrench.

Where are the bolts on a car alternator?

Remove the bolts from the rear of the alternator that secure the alternator to the engine with a box wrench set. Two bolts secure the alternator and are located on the rear upper and lower sides of the alternator. Unscrew the bolt that secures the wire to the side of the alternator with an appropriate-sized size box wrench.

How do you remove an alternator from a car?

Remove the alternator from the alternator bracket and set it above the drive axle. Remove the drive belt tensioner bracket bolt and remove the bracket and tensioner as one piece. Remove three bolts from the alternator brackets — one on the top and two on the front of the engine. Remove the brackets.

How to replace the alternator on a Chevy 350?

You have to remove the accessory drive belt, and then disconnect two electrical connectors, and remove three bolts, and the alternator will come out. Watch this video to learn how to replace the alternator on your Chevrolet 350 V8 engine.

Where is the drive belt tensioner on an alternator?

Remove the generator B+ terminal nut and lead, then disconnect the connector on the backside of the alternator. Find the drive belt tensioner below the alternator pulley. Rotate the tensioner to release tension on the belt and slip the belt off the alternator pulley. Remove the bolt on the front and two bolts on the rear of the alternator.

Why does the battery warning light come on after replacing the alternator?

A relatively common “side-effect” of replacing a battery and/or alternator in a car is to have the voltage (battery) warning light come on. This is especially true in late-model vehicles with their more sophisticated internal diagnostic systems.

How do you change the alternator in a Mitsubishi?

Remove the two bolts from the alternator bracket using a ratchet and socket. Then remove the bracket. Unscrew the remaining alternator large mounting bolt, working from under the vehicle, using the ratchet and socket. Then remove the alternator from the engine compartment.

What kind of alternator does a Mitsubishi Galant need?

Determine which alternator your Mitsubishi Galant will need. You’ll want to be sure the new alternator is compatible with your Galant’s engine. Models made from 1969 to 1973 will have a 1.3 L or 1.5 L engine, 1973 to 1975 models have a 1.6 L engine and models made from 1976 to 1983 may have a 1.6 L, 1.85 L, 2.0 L or 2.6 L engine.

Remove the ring connector, using a wrench, then unplug the second connector by pushing the locking tabs on the connector and pulling it free of the alternator. Remove the mounting bolts from the alternator with a socket and ratchet, then lift the alternator out of the engine compartment.

What happens if you Don’t Disconnect the battery from an alternator?

If you don’t disconnect the battery, you’re very likely to end up grounding a live wire during the process. This causes cause all manner of bad things to occur — not the least of which is giving you quite a shock. Now that the battery is out of the way disconnect the wire or wires from the back of the alternator.

Can a positive power cable be removed from an alternator?

Once you have the positive power cable removed from the alternator you can go ahead and start to remove the bolts connecting the alternator to your engine. You should also be able to remove these bolts with a basic socket set as most engine bay bolts are going to range from a 9 to 12.

How do you install an alternator?

How to Install an Alternator in 10 Steps Step1 – Disconnect the Negative Terminal of the Vehicle’s Battery Step 2 – Loosen the Two Bolts that Hold the Alternator Step 3 – Rotate the Alternator Step 4 – Remove the Electrical Wires Step 5 – Adjust the Bolts Step 6 – Install the Belt Step 7 – Position the Alternator Step 8 – Move the Vise Grip

How big of a socket do you need for an alternator?

These will often require a 14mm or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) socket, though you may need to try others. As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged. Inspect the serpentine belt for damage.

What can I use to relieve tension on alternator belt?

Relieve tension on the belt with the auto-tensioner (if equipped). Some vehicles use the alternator itself to apply tension to the serpentine or accessory belt, but others use an auto tensioner pulley.

What’s the main power cable for an alternator?

How do you replace an alternator on a Pontiac Grand Prix?

Plug in the electrical connectors to the alternator and install the drive belt. Reposition the oil dipstick tube to its original position and tighten the bolt for the oil dipstick tube with a socket wrench. Replace the air cleaner assembly and connect the negative battery cable. Determine which alternator your Pontiac Grand Prix will need.

How do you hook up an alternator to a Pontiac Montana?

Reattach the electrical wire connector to the alternator terminal by placing the connector and the nut on the terminal and securing with a socket wrench. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery of the Pontiac Montana with an open end wrench. Determine which alternator your Pontiac Grand Am will need.

How to remove an alternator from a Pontiac Montana?

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What should be the deflection between the drive belt and alternator?

Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. Once the alternator, drive belt, and electrical connections are reinstalled, scan the work area and make sure nothing has been overlooked.

What kind of wrench do you need to replace an alternator?

Unscrew the bolt holding it in place and pull it from where it’s connected. The bolts will likely require standard sized sockets or wrenches in American made vehicles, and metric in most foreign applications. The only other cable running to the alternator connects to a harness, so it will be easy to identify.

How do you compare an alternator to a new alternator?

Compare the old alternator to the replacement alternator. Note the electrical connector plug-in position and the design (shape). Make sure everything matches before installing. This also applies to the position of the alternator mounting bolt holes.

How do you change the alternator on a car?

Changing the alternator on most cars is generally the same. Find the alternator (has to be connected to the serpentine belt), and then look up steps to replace it. The main difference in cars is where the alternator is and how it’s mounted.

What happens if you leave your alternator alone?

Your alternator supplies your car’s battery and auxiliary systems with electrical current, and a failed alternator left alone will eventually lead you with a dead battery, or a dead car on the side of the road. Keep reading to learn the signs of a damaged alternator and find out the general steps required for a DIY alternator replacement.

How long does it take to replace an alternator?

With a few tools and about an hour you can swap it out yourself — and keep your dough in your pocket where it belongs. Note: As this is a Craftsman -sponsored project, you’ll notice a number of Craftsman tools in the photos, including Cross Force Wrenches.

How to test alternator by disconnecting battery?

Use a multimeter and turn on the engine while all the accessories remain switched off. With the voltmeter, take the reading between the battery terminals. Now, switch on the electrical components, and take reading the same way. The alternator is all-right if the first reading is 14V. It is still good if the 2nd reading shows 13V.

What happens when an alternator fails on a car?

The headlights draw power from the battery, just as ignition, audio, starter motor and everything else. If the alternator fails or doesn’t deliver enough power all of these will continue to draw from the battery until it is empty. The battery won’t recharge (properly) anymore, however.

How can I tell if my alternator is in good shape?

Make sure the voltmeter reads at least 12.2 volts, then start your car and rev the engine to 2,000 RPM. Keep the engine running and check the voltmeter again. If the voltage is between 13 and 14.5 volts, your alternator is in good shape.

How much should it cost to replace an alternator?

How Much Does Alternator Replacement Cost. The amount you will have to pay for a new alternator really depends on the model and make of your car. However, the average cost of a new alternator is between $180 and $650 , while the actual repair work, including labor, typically amounts to $400 to $600 . For best results, opt for a new alternator or get one that’s built by the manufacturer.

Can an alternator be repaired?

Alternators fail frequently, and good rebuilt units are pricey (typically in the $150+ range). But virtually any alternator can be easily repaired for less than $50. You can do it yourself in your garage or driveway using ordinary hand tools and a little knowledge.

How do you remove the pulley on an alternator?

To remove the alternator pulley, use a 1/2″ Drive impact wrench to loosen the nut. Most automotive Alternator pulleys use a 15/16 socket. Hold the alternator pulley firmly. You should use a rag or better a heavy glove. Alternators with external fans can rip up.

How do I replace the altenator?

How to Replace Your Alternator Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable. This step is crucial if you want to avoid a short, and trust us, you do. Locate the Alternator. The alternator is mounted to the engine, either the front or the side depending on the vehicle. Alternator Removal Match it Up! Alternator Installation. Finishing Up.

Can you remove the alternator from a Chrysler van?

The alternator on a Chrysler van is what charges the battery while the engine is running. To work around some areas inside the engine compartment, you will need to remove the alternator. Removing the alternator from any Chrysler van will be basically the same process and use the same tools.

How do you remove the drive belt from an alternator?

Remove the drive belt from the alternator pulley by pulling it off of the alternator. Remove the bolts from the rear of the alternator that secure the alternator to the engine with a box wrench set. Two bolts secure the alternator and are located on the rear upper and lower sides of the alternator.

Where is the tension pulley on an alternator?

Tighten a pair of adjustable pliers onto the securing nut of the battery’s positive cable and loosen the nut. Pull the battery’s positive cable off of the battery. Locate the tension pulley behind the alternator. The tension pulley has a small black roller on the bottom of it that forces the drive belt onto an engine pulley.