2001 TOYOTA AVALON ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT - DIY - BOSCH ALTERNATOR

Just a quick video showing how to replace the alternator on a 2001 Toyota Avalon. This is the 1MZFE 3.0 v6 engine which is also used in the Toyota Camry, Toyota Solara, Lexus ES300, and Lexus RX300. The alternator used in the video is a remanufactured unit from BOSCH. I am very happy with the quality and fit for this application. I changed the pulley because the replacement pulley was larger than the stock pulley on the alternator that I removed. I had a little trouble lining up the lock bolt upon installation, but I don't think that had anything to do with the new alternator. Removing the two 14mm nuts and the 12mm bolt that hold the adjuster bracket in place made lining up the lock bolt possible. I also had to push the metal insert or pivot bolt sleeve out just a little bit to make the replacement alternator fit the pivot point on the engine. I didn't show this in the video, but it was easy to do in the bench vise.
WARNING: I held the alternator pulley with my hand while using the impact wrench on the pulley nut. I know this is dangerous and I recommend you use something else to hold the pulley. You can easily get hurt doing this.

The tools used in the video:
small flathead screwdriver
10mm wrench and/or socket
12mm wrench and/or socket
14mm wrench and/or socket

It helps to have a few different lengths of socket wrenches and socket extensions including a universal extension or long wobble extension for the adjuster bolt.
Also, just wanted to say thank you to BOSCH for sending me this alternator.
Thanks for watching!
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-Dan the Fix it Man

Song used in the video is ''Scratch the Itch'' by Quincas Moreira

This video is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. Any repairs you make are your responsibility. I am not liable for any damages to you or your vehicle or your property.

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[musicislife]

Thx Alot! First time working on a car and you saved me money! My alternator went out and put me on side of freeway and i came home watched your video and was able to replace mine myself and was back on road next day thx alot bud!!!

[sarazdad]

Thank you so much for the honest depiction. I spent hours trying to get that bottom bolt in. Using your technique I got it on the first try. Thank you again!

[aggrex]

Great step-by-step instructional video. Just in time as my '97 Avalon alternator just quit during my quest for 300K

[dondelong]

Thank you for showing the issues with lining up the bottom bolt. This is why I had to come to YouTube because I too am having issues lining that bolt up. Some videos show everything going back super easy so I'm glad that I found your video and to know that I'm not the only one experiencing issues. :D

[Riklott]

Thx. I fixed my 2001 XLS. Today. I was reading it cost between 644- 738.00. the stupid new alternator price is 350.00! I went to a junk yard, got one for 38.00. but your tutorial helped, especially the adjusting pieces. I knew I wasn't buying the Bosch when I saw your belt wheel was 1/4 inch off, that's ridiculous and if you dont have an impact or a vise. Thx for the tips

[Tennesseestorm]

I also have a 2001 Avalon with 253k miles I have owned for over a year and have an issue with "flickering/pulsating" lights inside and outside of the car. This has went on for months, but getting worse. It seems to be a common issue on these cars. I was told several different things it could be, but most seem to say it is the alternator and can be taken care of by using a 130 amp alternator out of a Toyota Highlander of the same years that had this same engine. I purchased one, haven't installed it yet, but hope it resolves the issue. This video was helpful in me deciding if I wanted to do this myself and due to the lack of many tools, I will probably get my mechanic to do it. I do hope it is a simple swap out. They appear to be the same.

[brucebrumbalow]

Most realistic alternator video I've found, because the hardest job is putting back the bottom lock bolt. Most videos just say "Put it back." But putting the bottom lock bolt back is harder than the rest of the job.

I have a 2000 Sienna rather than an Avalon. I had to drain the power steering reservoir to remove the hose. I have large hands, and Toyota failed to provide enough room. I tried removing the passenger tire, but the metal wheel well is in the way, and tried coming from underneath, but the AC hoses are in the way. Toyota should make their engineers have to try replacing these common parts before they finalize their designs. Only a young teen or child could reach a hand in the Sienna space while holding a bolt. These sideways engines are designed without maintenance in mind.

[ericgordon]

Brother, very well thought out video. So I'm a professional Honda mechanic and I got a side job on this particular car recently. I watched your video and I'm insanely impressed by your presentation of said job. You helped me so much!!! I had to to the job at the customers home and thank you letting me know what tools I needed to use, that was what I was looking for specifically. What socket sizes. Thank great sir!!! Much love!!!❤

[thereviewman]

Got er done for my little sis👊🏽 easy repair, REALLY appreciate the video. Glad I read through the comments, I don't have any air tools and replacing that pulley would have been a beep* lol The pulley on the new alternator I put in was almost 3 and a quarter inches compared to the 2 and 1/2 in one I removed. Adjusting the lower screw facing the headlights was an easy fix, thank goodness! Thanks again for the video!

[timothyjohns]

Instead of swapping pulleys, the belt tensioner (being the nut and blot holding the alternator on) is adjustable, could have easily compensated for that extra 1/4 inch.

[musicislife]

Guy this also worked for 2002 Avalon Toyota i followed the steps and replaced mine just heads up!!! Out!

[alexalanis]

Thanks Dan for making this video. Got lucky with the lock bolt and got it to line right up.

[swampfox]

Saw the passenger headlight assembly was removed. If you mentioned it, my apologies but I missed it. I pulled my headlight when I changed my alternator on my 2004 Avalon.

[ericwilliams]

Thanks for video I just spent 45mins trying to get the lock bolt in I finally did but without removing anything or the big bolt up top omg though it wore me out and my hands are shaking

[stevenharrison]

Thanks a bunch for the video. Took about an hour to replace mine.

[Rickv]

I just replaced the alternator on my daughters 2001 Avalon. That bottom bolt is a pain anyway you try it. My hands are fat and my fingers are short which made it even more difficult. Took me over an hour to get it back in. I found that removing the top radiator hose helped tremendously in getting the alternator out and the new one in. In my case the pivot bolt was not the correct size and it snapped when I went to remove it. The size bolt it called for at my local auto parts store was a M10 1.5 100. The bolt that I snapped trying to get it out was a M10 1.00 100. Neither of those sizes worked for the replacement. The correct size was a M10 1.25 100 and it fit perfectly in the new alternator. Another hint for tightening the tensioner bolt is to see where it is transitions from shiny to dull on the threads and get it back to the original position. Getting the tension correct will be very close to that.

[khakimal]

love your video 😍😍😍😍😍you explained pretty good and clear + diagram. thank you very much for your time to show us how to do it correctly 😍😍😍😍😍

[stevensanchez]

I got a duralast gold alternator brand new, makes a wine I loosened it to try to get rid of it thinking it was too tight but then it squealed with ac on so I know once it squeals it’s too loose so I tightened back again to what seems like a normal tightness and it still makes the noise. Should I tighten it more or is that just how the autozone ones are (have some noise) I don’t wanna overtighten.

[Drewman]

Thank you. your video was excellent in presentation as it was in its instruction.

[acemonsta]

My biggest issue is swapping out pulleys since I don't have an impact drill. My brother in law does but now i have to stop and wait until he gets ready in his own leisure to swing by with it. Could be tomorrow. 😢