Removing and Installing the Alternator

REMOVAL
PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

If the vehicle is equipped with a coded audio system, make sure you have the correct code to reactivate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
2. Label and disconnect the wiring and ground straps from the alternator.
3. On 4-cylinder models, loosen the adjusting and pivot bolts of the alternator, then remove the drive belt. Note: On 4-cylinder models, the adjusting bolt runs parallel to the drive belt and can only be loosened after the lock nut has been loosened. V6 models are equipped with a serpentine drive belt with an automatic tensioner; for removal, refer to Maintenance and Adjustments.

4. On V6 models, disconnect the wiring from the A/C condenser fan and remove the fan assembly from the engine compartment (refer to Cooling and Heating Systems).

5. On 4-cylinder models, remove the adjusting and pivot bolts and remove the alternator from the engine. On V6 models, simply remove the mounting bolts of the upper and lower brackets and remove the alternator from the engine compartment, carefully avoiding wiring harnesses and hoses.

6. If replacement of the alternator is required, take the removed unit with you to the parts store as a sample. The replacement alternator must match the technical specifications of the failed unit. Compare the terminals: they must have the same numbering, size and arrangement. Finally, compare the identification marking, usually stamped on the housing or printed on a label attached to it. The identification numbers of the old and new alternators must match.
7. Replacement alternators are usually supplied without the drive pulley; in that case, transfer the pulley from the old unit.
Installation
8. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal.
9. Finally, adjust the drive belt tension (refer to Maintenance and Adjustments).
10. To verify correct alternator operation, measure the charging voltage it produces (refer to Charging System Testing).