Alternator DIY?
Alternator DIY? Just wanted to make sure since I don't wrench much, but to replace an alternator I just undo the bolt for the pulley, and then the two long bolts that hold it onto the bracket, then reverse the steps to put in the new one, right? I don't have to disconnect the battery or anything like that?
I'm almost sure its the alternator because I was driving on the expressway and my lights were dim for a while, then I thought nothing of it (silly me) but later my car wouldn't start. It started on its own after a few hours somehow, then I drove for a few minutes... the lights dimmed, my radio turned off and it died again. Friend jumped the battery, moved for about 10 feet and the car lurched then died.
Alternator, right? Any fuses or wires I should check for corrosion? I tried looking on install university but couldn't find the main ground cable
I'm almost sure its the alternator because I was driving on the expressway and my lights were dim for a while, then I thought nothing of it (silly me) but later my car wouldn't start. It started on its own after a few hours somehow, then I drove for a few minutes... the lights dimmed, my radio turned off and it died again. Friend jumped the battery, moved for about 10 feet and the car lurched then died.
Alternator, right? Any fuses or wires I should check for corrosion? I tried looking on install university but couldn't find the main ground cable
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE WORKING ON ELECTRICAL. YOU WILL GET SHOCKED.
There is also a small bracket behind the alternator that you will have to unbolt. Have your battery checked at an autozone or something, they do it for free. Make sure to disconnect the plug for the alternator before moving it since the wire is stretched all the way, it will break if you're not careful.
There is also a small bracket behind the alternator that you will have to unbolt. Have your battery checked at an autozone or something, they do it for free. Make sure to disconnect the plug for the alternator before moving it since the wire is stretched all the way, it will break if you're not careful.
Hmm.... I've having trouble with a few things. I'm not sure where that bracket is, maybe today I'll be less pissed off and be able to find it. I'm having trouble unplugging that plug for the alternator (it's just pushing in the tab and pulling it off, right? awkward positioning) I tried reaching from underneath the car, with my arm from the front of the car, with my hand back over the alternator. Is it easier to pull the plug from the top cause I couldn't even get my scrawny forearm down there.
Another thing is the positive cable just spins with the nut, I think they're stuck together. I loosened it to where it got easier to spin (I could turn the nut/wire back and forth with just my hand) BUT at one point it seemingly gets stuck, even when using the ratchet and it looked like and felt like the wire was stretching so I didn't wanna overdo it.
So far, I took out the two long bolts that go through the alternator mount, and I got the shorter one that's on the back of it. That back bolt actually wasn't too bad... but now I need help.
Another thing is the positive cable just spins with the nut, I think they're stuck together. I loosened it to where it got easier to spin (I could turn the nut/wire back and forth with just my hand) BUT at one point it seemingly gets stuck, even when using the ratchet and it looked like and felt like the wire was stretching so I didn't wanna overdo it.
So far, I took out the two long bolts that go through the alternator mount, and I got the shorter one that's on the back of it. That back bolt actually wasn't too bad... but now I need help.
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Hmm... The alternator and the water pump are the only two things I have had to change on my car in 220,000 miles lol. I did the alternator not too long ago. Wish I could remember more about what "tricks" I ended up doing. I think I got the alternator loose and "dangling" before I tried to remove the wires because I couldn't get them off otherwise. That's about all I can offer right now.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 591
Likes: 235
From: Lewisville, TX
Definately unplug the alternator first, I forgot to do this and ending up having to repin the connector which isnt fun. In the process I also added 6 inches of wiring to harness to prevent this from happening in the future.
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while under the car, dislodge the alternator with your main arm and keep a good hold on it when it comes loose, unplug the connector with remaining hand. done it twice now. there is enough slack to do this without worry. drop the alternator though...
Ok now I'm scared. I kept on loosening it, but the positive battery cable is starting to bind and wrap around itself. Will it snap if it gets pinched too much?
I need to get this crap done already.
I need to get this crap done already.
Ok. I got ot out. Thanks foro all the tips guys. My first alternator removal, lol
now to put the damn thing in.
Again, does the connector only have one pin? I hope I didn't rip any out...
now to put the damn thing in.
Again, does the connector only have one pin? I hope I didn't rip any out...
same here...cept i didnt repin the connector...ironically, the alt connector on a 3.1 monte carlo is the same.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 591
Likes: 235
From: Lewisville, TX
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
sorry to dig up an old thread, but I removed the alternator and when I tried reinstalling it, I didn't find anything that the small 13 mm back bolt connected to. I connected the large battery cable to the alternator at attaches near the bracket (near the top of the alternator). But what connects to the bolt at the back of the alternator? Am I missing something? I tried connecting a wire to it b/c there was a loose wire and when I tried hooking up the battery I got a lot of sparks! Thanks in advance for any help!
