1. Disconnect the battery.
* This will prevent any electrical accidents from happening while you are working on the alternator.
2. Remove the drive belt.
* Locate the drive belt that goes around the alternator and water pump. Use a wrench to loosen the tensioner pulley and remove the belt.
3. Remove the serpentine belt.
* Follow the same process as you did in step 2, but this time, remove the accessory drive belt or also called serpentine belt that wraps around the alternator, power steering pump and a/c compressor.
4. Remove the alternator mounting bolts.
* There are usually two or three bolts that hold the alternator in place. Use a wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
5. Remove the alternator.
* Once the mounting bolts are removed, you can lift the alternator out of the car. Be careful not to drop it, as it is a heavy piece of equipment.
6. Inspect the alternator.
* Before reinstalling the alternator, take a few minutes to inspect it for any damage. Look for cracks, broken wires, or anything else that looks unusual. If you see any damage, replace the alternator.
7. Reinstall the alternator.
* Reverse the steps you took to remove the alternator to reinstall it. Make sure to tighten the mounting bolts securely.
8. Reconnect the battery.
* Once the alternator is reinstalled, reconnect the battery.
Start the car and check to make sure that the alternator is working properly. The charging system light on the dashboard should be off, and the battery should be charging. If the charging system light is still on, or the battery is not charging, there may be a problem with the alternator. you will need to take the car to a qualified mechanic to have it diagnosed.
