Replacing the alternator is pretty easy in this car. As an amateur, if I wasn't taking breaks, it took about three hours but I ran into a problem with the original electrical connector.
These are the tools you will need:
14mm socket with extensions (2in. or so)
C-clamp to hold belt (optional)
New alternator
Unplug your battery when you do this job.
This is the old one. You can see I tried cleaning it to bring some life back but it just died the next day. In the above picture, you can see the bottom bolt. The top one is actually a nut but they're both 14mm. That's what holds the alternator in place.
You're gonna have to take the serpentine belt off first. Don't worry, it is very easy on this car. Find the tensioner, slip an extended 14mm socket on there, then turn it to the left all the way to loosen the belt and take the belt off the alternator with your other hand. It will stay put nicely.
Don't forget! It makes it easier if you use a C-clamp to hold the belt in place so it doesn't slide off while you're working on the car. Don't forget to take it off later. If you're new to this, I suggest writing down a step by step for yourself.
Once the belt is off, you are free to take off the top 14mm nut and lower 14mm bolt. There's also two connectors at the back of the alternator towards the top. One of them comes off by taking off a nut that I believe is 14mm aswell but it might be 12mm (sorry). The other wires use a connector. You press the clip on the top of it down and wiggle it out. It might be hard to get out.
In my case, the connector was stuck. I had to actually break it apart CAREFULLY with a screwdriver so I could get to the three wires. I don't know if it matters but keep the wires in order (it probably matters...). Luckily they hold on pretty well without a connector but it's a pain plugging them in. Take your time and go by feel, not sight, because you can't see much. I would take the bolts off first, lay the alternator down on the metal brackets in the engine compartment (not the AC lines!), and take them off that way.
When you put the new alternator in, I recommend you stick it back in place with the bolt and nut before you plug your three wires in, unless of course yours came out with the connector in tact. If you don't, they tend to pop out as you manuever the alternator in place.
The first picture below shows the alternator (the one on the right) with the three metal prongs for your wires. The picture below that shows how I plugged them in individually. Because the wires don't move, they stay put.
When the alternator is in place and connected, you need to put the belt back on. Easy. Again use one hand to loosen the tensioner and slip the belt on the alternator. It should already be on the other pulleys. Put the battery back and you're good to go!
No comments:
Post a Comment