How to Replace Alternator 02-06 Nissan Altima

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1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a broken or bad alternator. This video is applicable to the Nissan Altima, years 02, 03, 04, 05, and 06.

This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2002 Nissan Altima
2003 Nissan Altima
2004 Nissan Altima
2005 Nissan Altima
2006 Nissan Altima

🔧 List of tools used:
• 5mm Hex Wrench

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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[jeffg]

Thank you very much for this video. I was able to pull my first alternator out of my 2003 Nissan Altima. I was able to cheat a little. I took out the top and bottom bolts because I couldn’t get the belt to slide off even pushing on the tensioner. The bottom bolt I had to finish with a 14 mm crescent wrench. I was able to pull up the fuse box just enough to get that bolt to slide out because I didn’t have the right tool to take out the fuse box bolt. Then I used the pry bar to push to the alternator out and as it dropped the tension in the belt released enough to pull the alternator out without having to remove the belt from the pulley. This video was extremely useful for a backyard mechanic like myself

[Spikeisbuf]

For those saying you need to remove the fuse box and coolant container, you really dont have too. I also thought I was going
to need to do so, but if you pull the fuse box up enough, it gives clearance for the long bolt to come out. Then again I was being
a bit lazy to take another 5-10mins to remove everything lol. But great video as always!

[LiveLifeNow]

Thank you! This video saved me $200 in labor. We did have to take out the coolant overflow and the entire fuse box to get that long bolt out but it was worth it!

[philcaswell]

Posting some feedback for others, as I just spend ~2 hours working on this.

First, the video is supper helpful. The tools needed are 100% correct, and the order of things to do is correct. However, if you have an older car, and depending on the model, here are the things I ran in to while taking on this task. -- 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5

1. Check the wires that feed in to the alternator. The tape and the plastic wrap that holds the wires for signs of damage because you want to fix that. ASAP. I re-wraped mine in high-temp tape they use for HVAC. The plastic and the electrical tape will only last so long.

2. In the video the presenter mentions that fuse box being in the way, when yes it is. In fact the bracket was completely in the way on my car, and the bolts were rusted to the bracket. After a lot of WD40 and patience I was able to get the bracket loose enough to wiggle it out of the way get the bottom bolt of the alternator out.

3. The space you are working in is super tight. Have on hand some pipe to use to as a breaker bar to break the bolts loose if needed, or you can use that trick with open ended wrenches and link them for leverage.

4. Consider some velcro or zip ties to secure the belt in a place where it won't move out of place and fall off the other pulleys. I lucked out because I had something in my box. If you don't, it could move out of place and now you need to get under the car to see the back of the block, or really skinny arms, flashlights, and mirrors on the floor to see what you are doing.

5. On my car, the break light and battery light came on (no check engine) when I had the battery checked at the auto parts store. When I replaced the alternator, all the red lights went away as the computer reset. Keep in mind, some lights could reappear later on, and you will need to have it checked out. The computer in the car will do weird things when the power is not consistent. Sort of like when HAL in 2001 a space odyssey.

Have fun folks!

[billflaherty]

After viewing this YouTube video my neighbor and I did my 2002 Nissan Altima today! It  worked out beautiful!

[swaggpoppin]

Idc what anyone says, these guys are the best. Great instruction videos and parts.

[sylvaniarodriguez]

Thank you my 17 year old doughter changed it.

[pbelschner]

Video was very helpful especially when it came time to move the tension idler. I thought I was going to have to loosen it and then readjust...very helpful!

I would recommend removing the coolant overflow container (2 bolts), then lift the fuse compartment and finally remove the 2 bolts holding the fuse compartment bracket. This takes only 3-4 minutes and gives tons of clearance for the long bolt and easier access to the tension idler. No burns or busted knuckles this way ;-)

[steven]

Great vid. After forgetting a wire, my car wouldn't start and gave p1760. Attached the missing wire, cleared the code. All seems well. This fixed my problem with the belt vibrating loudly every so often.

[davismillard]

Can't thank you enough!! Ordering the alternator shortly. 1A has saved my butt more than once!!!! Thanks to you I can do it myself.

[nomar]

thanks for this video today I was able to change the alternator of my sister's car following all the steps, keep making videos like this for those of us who know nothing about mechanics.

[jessicalaperuta]

if you have a 2005 you will have to remove the two bolts holding fuse compartment as there wont be enough clearance when backing the lower 14mm bolt out  because it will hit the metal frame holding the fuse box...just did it today...

[PiffSett]

Thank you for this. It helped me get out of an emergency situation and back on the road in an hour!!

[bruce]

Just used this video to get my car back on the road tonight. Saved me a tow bill, repair bill and my wife’s nerves. Thanks!

[llively]

Super helpful, man. Auto guy was gonna charge me $450. I'll check out A1 when I need parts going forward.

[paulsulham]

Hey!  Thank you so much!  Really saved my bacon!  I had the new alternator on, and the main bolt in place, but the belt was too tight for me to get the thing in place for the second bolt!  I was freaking out.  The first video I watched about adjusting the tension did not apply to my car.  Following your instructions turned out to be super easy!  I thought I was going to have to loosen and then re-tighten something, but I just levered that wheel down and moved the alternator into place!  God bless!

[joserosales]

Ah, this unfortunately did not solve my problem, but this was a great walkthrough on how to remove & swap an alternator. Thank you!

[stringbanjo]

replaced the alternator in my '02 sentra se-r 2.5l after watching this video. ive never done more than changing a tire but i had the new alternator secured in under an hour. thanks much :)

[ivanpaniagua]

I've replaced several parts on my vehicle using the instructions of the 1A Auto Parts videos. Thank you so much guys for creating and uploading these videos.