Safety First:
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work. This prevents electrical shorts and injury.
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
* Use jack stands if you need to lift the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Tools You'll Need:
* Socket wrench set: Including metric sockets (likely needed).
* Wrench set: Both metric and possibly standard.
* Ratchet: A good quality ratchet will make the job easier.
* Extension bars: To reach those hard-to-access bolts.
* Screwdrivers: Phillips and flathead.
* Pliers: Needle-nose pliers might be helpful.
* Wire brush: To clean battery terminals and alternator connections.
* New alternator: Make sure you get the correct replacement alternator for your specific Skylark model.
* Jack and jack stands (if necessary): Access to the alternator may require raising the car.
* Torque wrench (recommended): To tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.
* Gloves
General Steps:
1. Locate the Alternator: The alternator is typically located on the front of the engine, near the engine's drive belt system.
2. Disconnect the Electrical Connections: Carefully disconnect the alternator's wiring harness connector(s). Take note of how they are connected for reassembly. You may need to loosen a bolt or two to release the connectors. A photo is always helpful.
3. Remove the Belt: You'll need to remove the serpentine belt to access the alternator. The method for this varies depending on the engine and year, but generally involves loosening a tensioner pulley to relieve belt tension. Consult your repair manual for precise instructions. Again, taking pictures will be very helpful.
4. Remove the Alternator Mounting Bolts: The alternator is usually held in place by two or three bolts. These bolts are often located on the back or side of the alternator, sometimes requiring the use of extensions and/or universal joints. Loosen these bolts before attempting to remove the alternator.
5. Remove the Alternator: Once the bolts are loose, carefully remove the alternator. It might be a bit heavy.
6. Install the New Alternator: Install the new alternator, ensuring it's correctly aligned with its mounting points. Tighten the mounting bolts to the proper torque specification (found in your repair manual).
7. Reconnect the Electrical Connections: Carefully reconnect the wiring harness connectors to the new alternator, making sure they are securely connected.
8. Reinstall the Belt: Reinstall the serpentine belt, ensuring it's properly routed around all the pulleys.
9. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Start the Engine: Start the engine and check for any warning lights. Verify that the battery is charging by checking the voltage with a multimeter.
Important Considerations:
* Accessibility: Access to the alternator can be tricky depending on the engine and other components. You might need to remove or loosen other parts for better access.
* Belt Routing: Pay close attention to the routing of the serpentine belt. Incorrect routing can cause premature belt wear or damage to the engine.
* Torque Specifications: Always tighten bolts to the correct torque specification. Over-tightening can damage the alternator or its mounting points. Under-tightening can lead to vibrations or loose parts.
This is a complex job. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Incorrect installation could damage your vehicle's electrical system or cause other problems.
