NOTE: Disconnecting the battery is always the first safety step when working on electrical components of a vehicle.
1. Disconnect the battery negative (black) cable. Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the 10mm nut on the negative cable terminal and remove the cable from the battery.
2. Remove the serpentine belt. The alternator is driven by a serpentine belt that also powers other accessories such as the air conditioning compressor and water pump. To remove the belt, locate the belt tensioner pulley on the front of the engine (near the top). Use a 1/2 inch drive socket wrench to rotate the tensioner pulley clockwise (it is usually held in tension with a spring or hydraulic piston). This will loosen the tension on the belt and allow you to remove it by pulling it off of the pulleys.
3. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the alternator. There will be two or three electrical connectors attached to the back of the alternator. Disconnect the connectors by pressing on the release tabs and pulling them apart.
4. Remove the alternator mounting bolts. There will be two or three bolts that secure the alternator to the engine block. Use a 17mm socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts.
5. Remove the alternator. Once the bolts are removed, you can remove the alternator by lifting it out of the engine compartment. Be careful not to drop the alternator as it is heavy.
To reinstall the alternator, simply reverse the removal procedure.
Remember to reconnect the battery negative cable once the alternator is reinstalled and ensure the serpentine belt is correctly installed and properly tensioned.
