Alternator — removal and installation
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Battery — disconnection and reconnection).
Four-cylinder engines
2. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
3. Remove the drivebelt (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
4. Detach the electrical connectors from the alternator.
5. Remove the alternator mounting bolts and harness clamps (see illustration).
7.5 Alternator mounting bolt locations — four-cylinder model shown
6. Remove the alternator from the mount- in bracket.
V6 engines
7. Loosen the right-front wheel lug nuts, then raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
8. Remove the right front wheel.
9. Remove the lower engine cover (s).
10. Remove the fender inner liner (see Body).
11. Remove the drivebelt (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
12. Remove the upper engine covers.
13. Remove the air cleaner and inlet assembly (see Fuel and exhaust systems).
14. Remove the front bumper assembly (see Body).
15. Drain the engine coolant.
16. Remove the coolant expansion tank mounting fasteners and set the tank to the side (see Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems).
17. Remove the radiator (see Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems).
18. Detach the electrical connectors from the alternator.
19. Remove the alternator mounting bolts and harness clamps.
20. Remove the alternator from the mounting bracket.
installation
21. If you are replacing the alternator, take the old alternator with you when purchasing a replacement unit. Make sure that the new/ rebuilt unit is identical to the old alternator. Look at the terminals — they should be the terminals on the old alternator. Finally, look at the identification markings — they will be stamped in the housing or printed on a tag or plaque affixed to the housing. Make sure that these numbers are the same on both alternators.
22. Many new/rebuilt alternators do not have a pulley installed, so you may have to switch the pulley from the old unit to the new/rebuilt one. When buying an alternator, find out the shop’s policy regarding installation of pulleys — some shops will perform this service free of charge.
23. Installation is the reverse of removal.
24. Check the charging voltage to verify proper operation of the alternator (see Troubleshooting).