How To: Replace an Alternator

The alternator on your vehicle is a key component for charging and running your car, truck, or SUV. An alternator charges the battery in order to start your vehicle and powers the electrical accessories when your car is running. This may include the power windows, windshield wipers, interior lights, radio, and more. Signs of a bad alternator include noticing dim headlights or headlights that brighten and dim with the speed of the engine, and your battery may not charge fully while the engine is running. When an alternator fails, your vehicle’s electrical systems may stay on and the engine can continue to run only until the battery's reserve charge is depleted. Your vehicle may die, and you might be able to restart it with a jump start. Performing an alternator replacement is a straightforward procedure that can keep your vehicle’s electrical system performing properly and can even help maintain your battery life. Our step-by-step, detailed video will explain how to replace the alternator in a car.

Supplies Needed for This Job:

0:00 Welcome Back
0:33 Remove the Belt
0:57 Remove the Old Alternator
1:27 Install the New Alternator
2:05 Route the Belt

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This detailed video shows step-by-step alternator repair to help you keep your vehicle starting and running its best. Replacing an alternator that is damaged or failing helps you maintain a safe, functioning electrical system, and can keep your vehicle’s battery charged and the electrical accessories working as they should. Signs that your alternator is bad include dim headlights or a battery that will not stay fully charged, and you should test and replace your alternator to prevent stalling and inconvenient breakdowns. If you are wondering how to test an alternator, the cost of an alternator that will fit your vehicle, or if you have other questions about your car, truck, or SUV, the Parts Professionals at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts are ready to help you. 

Transcript:
I’ll be changing the alternator on this 2003 Ford Taurus, but procedures will vary slightly from one vehicle to the next, so be sure to know the details for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
When you’re ready to remove or replace your alternator, here’s what you’ll do:
Start by disconnecting the battery ground cable.
Loosen the belt tensioner so the belt can be removed from the alternator and other pulleys.
You may try using a binder clip to hold the belt in place while the alternator is removed, or take a picture of the belt’s routing to ensure that it is correctly reinstalled.
While the belt is loose, it’s a good idea to inspect it for wear or signs of glazing, which can diminish the belt’s ability to keep your battery charged.
Remove the voltage regulator connector from the back of the alternator… then remove the positive cable.
Remove the nut and bolt on the alternator brace.
Then locate and remove the alternator’s lower mounting bolt.
Lift the old alternator out… now you’re ready to replace it with your new alternator.
Position the new alternator so you can start the lower mounting bolt.
Then replace the upper bolt and nut on the alternator brace.
Once your alternator is secured, reattach the voltage regulator connector or plug… and the positive lead to the post on the alternator.
Route your belt over the pulleys as indicated on your vehicle’s belt diagram…

*View full video for complete instructions**

[thereforepie]

Honestly this video is underrated. Simple, step by step and very informative for people. I really appreciate the help!

[Datsyukiandeke]

Old parts come out so smoothly in these videos. Makes it look too easy.
Me: fighting with rust, spraying pb blaster on everything, torching old rusty nuts, breaking and rounding off bolts with my harbor freight toolbox. Hammering on everything.
Him: pinches with his thumb and index finger and gently lifts it out.

[AutotechWoodworking]

1) Procedures will vary far more than just slightly from one vehicle to the next.
2( Remove the belt completely from the engine so that you can check the condition of the entire belt. A section of the belt may have missing ribs that you can't see unless the belt is off the engine and in your hands. If you're not comfortable removing the belt completely, maybe you shouldn't be replacing an alternator either.
3) Glazing is when either side, (but more noticeable on the outer side, the non-ribbed flat side), is shiny. There are better ways to test if your belt is worn out, but if you press your thumb nail into the flat side of the belt and the indentation left by it doesn't disappear quickly, the belt is worn out.
4) The banner across the top of the screen states: "tighten to manufacturer specifications", yet he uses a standard ratchet wrench with no torque indicating capabilities to let you him if he is tightening the nuts and bolts to the correct torque.
As my name suggests, I'm an automotive technician, have been since 1977. With my years of experience, I can tighten most non essential bolts or nuts to a torque very close to manufacturer specs without using a torque wrench. Although when you're producing a video showing how to replace a part, and you show the above quoted statement in that video, then you should probably practice what you preach and tighten the hardware with a torque wrench.
I have a few other comments, but this is far too long as it is.
This post may self disappear at any time without warning.

[GabrielPeterson-brvt]

I love how this was straight to the point and very descriptive. Thank you!

[BluntSmoke]

This Definitely Helped With My Exchange Good Video 👌🏼💯
The only thing that sucks is that I got one from the junkyard and now I have to get a brand new one cause the one I just put tin isn't even running my truck good 🤦🏽‍♂️

[Senormaster]

Doing a scion Xb 2013 alternator is a pain. But I will continue to do it on my own lol

[stephenratliff]

Excellent video O'Reillys! Thank you for the information Chris!

[brentmcmahon]

Yea your alternators are junk I bought one for my wife’s Acura TL and I put it on and yes it was bad took it back the guy tested it and said it’s bad and he got me a different one and he said there you go and I told him not yet test it and he did and showed good and put it on her car a week later it quit and I took her car the dealer for brakes and oil leak and a new alternator and I asked them is that a new alternator he said no we get them from auto Zone and I laughed so they put one on and 2 weeks later the pulley fell apart and had it picked up by a roll of being all wheel drive not good to tow and they put anew one on and a month later it starts beeping that battery is low on power. So I guess I will take it back Acura for my second auto zone alternator. ORileys did give me all my money back plus core charge. So let’s see how many auto zone alternators we can get again. Glad we are retired don’t have to have that car every day, but Acura is good about a loaner car and they always ask if I want one which is nice and Iam sure my bill is high enough it’s covered !

[rubygonzalez]

What’s the thing called that they used to remove the belt?

[evakerekes]

Wow thank you
How will I knowing if they put a seed alternator

[olenaerhardt]

What are torque specifications for 4 alternator mounting bolts? For some reasons I can't find that particular specification in Haynes or on-line. In one film they said 20Ft-lbs, but why it is not in the book? Maybe the name for that specification is different? And Serpentine belt should it be torqued to the specification or just approximately? The car is 2001 Saturn SL2.

[drrobotnik]

Alternator
Sounds like you stole one of Dr.Doofinshmertz's inventions

[gearsspinning]

Also put your battery on a trickle charger.

[duckonquack]

need more details I put mine in backwards

[dariusbivins]

Forgot to put the ground back on the battery

[missmisty]

Play tragically hip New Orleans is sinking

[timothyguillory]

Don't by gm ford ore Chrysler front wheel drive it's trash

[bobbofly]

I can't help feeling a little disconcerted at the idea of people running around loose & unsupervised in the world who are unable to perform so simple a task as an alternator R&R without a helpful Youtube video. Just sayin'...