How do you take out and replace an alternator on the 2003 Kia Sedona?

Answer 1

First, set aside between 5 and 7 hours depending on your mechanical ability and tool selection. Unhook the battery terminals. Loosen the idler, remove the belt. Remove the top radiator support plastic shroud and remove the metal structure underneath. Remove the cooling fan. Loosen the radiator and condenser if a/c equipped. Remove the O2 sensor. You can finally get to the alternator and see that you'll have to slide it out from the front of the engine. Remove the alternator, careful not drop it or brush against the radiator. Reinstall new one as removed. Follow mfgrs directions on alternator hookup so as not to void warranty. (you do NOT want to do this again if it fails) Roadtest the car and celebrate saving $300 in dealership labor costs.

And make sure your buy the right belt, due to smaller pully in alternator, you will need a different belt, which wasn't in stock in my local kragen, so I need to wait couple days, in my time only weekend available, that mean I have to wait another weekend. To remove the bolt for the alternator is very difficult and has to be very carefully not to scratch the body at the side, to install the original length bolt is even more difficult, so find something to cut the bolt about 1/2" will save you several hours to insert it.