How do I Replace an alternator in 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Answer 1

For my 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.3L engine

The most important point here is that on a 3.3L engine it has to come out underneath. The main secret the store manuals don't tell you is that you have to remove the one bolt that holds the flexible rubber exhaust clamp to the middle of the body underneath; you can now push on the exhaust in the middle and this will allow it to flex over enough to barely be able to remove the alternator between the body and the exhaust. As an additional measure for removal room, i removed the three metal nuts that hold the catalytic converter heat shield in place under the passenger floor pan. Everything else is pretty standard; remove battery cable, take off wire connectors, use breaker bar with socket to unload tension on serpentine belt pulley & belt comes right off, two bolts from underneath for metal guard, lastly two bolts for the alternator. Just a final tip, make sure to use the new nuts that come with the rebuilt alternator & be very careful not to over tighten the wire connections; unfortunately, I've found the replacement metals they use are softer than the original and it takes nothing to twist off a connector, especially an old dirty nut reused.