How do you install an alternator in 97 cadillac deville?

Answer 1

Take the battery out first(you have to do this to get to the half inch drive, belt tensioner to take the belt off), take the belt off WRITE DOWN THE ROUTING IF THERE IS NO BELT ROUTE STICKER!!!!!, take the radiator cooling fans out (two plugs,, 4 bolts, easy), under the car there is a plate on the same side as the alternator that has to be removed to allow space to put the exchanged alternators through it is maybe 8 inches long and has 4 bolts 2 vertical and two you can see on the bottom. It HAS to come through the bottom and through this hole!! The casing of the alternator is basically square looking on the backside. to get it thru the hole it HAS to be flat side of the square to the radiator side and the other to the motor side!!!to fit through, that's how tight the tolerance is. one bolt hole towards the driver side and one towards the passenger side. there are 3 bolts 2 front side and one rear side, and the electrical main connector bolt and plug on the back and side of the alternator, remove them. Note:: the rear bolt on the casing mount may not come completely out,, Dont freak, it will still allow the alternator to release. It butts up against the exhaust manifold. Install is the exact reverse of this. This is not a fun job and I can't say this loud enough GET A QUALITY ALTERNATOR!!!! DON'T BE CHEAP! OR YOU WILL BE DOING THIS JOB AGAIN REALLY SOON. And just for addition to change the a/c compressor is a nightmare, hope that works ok ..