1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting any work on the electrical system. This prevents accidental shorts and injury.
2. Locate the Belt Tensioner: On a 1996 Caprice, the alternator belt tensioner is likely located near the alternator itself. It might be a spring-loaded pulley or a hydraulic tensioner (less common). You'll need to visually inspect the area to find it.
3. Loosen the Tensioner: This is the key step and varies depending on the tensioner type:
* Spring-Loaded Tensioner: This usually requires a wrench or ratchet to turn a bolt or a lever on the tensioner. Turning this will move the tensioner pulley, releasing the tension on the belt. You might need a long wrench or a breaker bar for sufficient leverage, depending on how tight the tensioner is. You'll need to rotate it in the correct direction to relieve the tension – try a small rotation first to see which way it works.
* Hydraulic Tensioner (less likely but possible): These are usually controlled by a specific bolt or mechanism. Again, consult your repair manual for instructions on operating this type of tensioner.
4. Remove the Belt: Once the tension is released, carefully guide the belt off the alternator pulley and any other pulleys it runs over.
5. Install the New Alternator: Once the belt is off, you can now remove the old alternator and install the new one, making sure to properly align all components.
6. Reinstall the Belt: With the new alternator in place, reverse the process. Apply tension to the belt tensioner, and then carefully place the belt around all the pulleys.
7. Reconnect the Battery: Once the belt is properly installed and tensioned, reconnect the negative battery cable.
8. Check Tension: After reinstallation, check the belt tension to make sure it's not too loose or too tight. There are usually specifications for proper belt tension in your repair manual. A too-tight belt will wear out prematurely, and a too-loose one will slip.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: It's absolutely crucial to consult a repair manual specific to your 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. This will show you exactly where the tensioner is, how to access it, and the correct procedure for loosening the belt.
* Tools: You'll likely need a wrench or ratchet, possibly a socket set, and maybe a breaker bar for sufficient leverage.
* Photography: Take pictures of the process before you start, this can help you remember the belt routing.
Working on your car's electrical system can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable with these steps, it's best to take your Caprice to a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and experience to perform this repair safely and correctly.
