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Alternators
An alternator is an old term for electric generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy producing alternating current. Alternators are mainly used for recharging batteries and to power electrical loads of vehicles.
4,629 Questions
What alternator fits a 2001 Chevy Malibu a 1.5 amp or a 2 amp?
depending on load and accesories,or if it has air!! check at a auto parts store or dealer.
What would cause your alternator to reverse polarity?
This has recently happened to my 1996 Camaro after sitting idle for several years with a brand new battery (installed it to move the car to my new house). Knowing the battery would be dead, I took it in to be charged and the parts store accused me of trying to jump with the wires crossed. My other cars are a Prius and a Volvo. Anyone who knows those cars knows why I would not have attempted to jump a Camaro. Nevermind that the car was/is parked head-in inside my shop.
Anyway, I bought a new battery, hooked it up, turned the key on and the gauges pegged then, when I tried to start it, the battery posts began to smoke. Battery people have said it is possible to take a new battery and drain it to the end of its "useful" life (not a pun, as in the batter is no longer useful) which can reverse the polarity. Of course, a 1996 doesn't have a generator so it doesn't need arching but, clearly something is amiss!
I'll try and repost once I hear back from the mechanic.
Where is the alternator located on a 2001 Ford Escape 3.0L V6?
The alternator is located on the passenger side of engine very near the firewall and at the bottom of the engine. Another way to find it is to look at the larger serpentine belt. Follow it back to the rear of the engine compartment. The belt curves around the pulley of the alternator as it's travel approaches the firewall. You can't get the alternator out unless you remove the axle (half-shaft) and bracket.
After you take the mounting bracket off, THEN, and ONLY THEN, you are fairly easily able to remove the alternator. I was so mad I THREW IT 20-30 feet! Was TIRED of looking at it, holding it, and cussing it. It took around FIVE HOURS to get this blasted thing out...SEE YA! Then, you put your new (or rebuilt like mine was...paid 95 bucks online) alternator in. Go ahead and hook up the two electrical connectors at this point...it's easier then because everything is outta your way....then you push the alternator out of the way and bolt the mounting bracket back in place. Now you can bolt on the alternator. Don't tighten the two main bolts...wait. Just get them close because I did, and the top bolt (that you can only reach from the top of the engine in the "outside world" lol) wasn't aligned. Put that top bolt in and tighten it, then go back and tighten the other two bolts. Then you just put everything back together from there. But before you got to this point, you had to:
1. Take off the tire (good idea to loosen the 32mm axle nut when you loosen the lug nuts), and go ahead and take off the battery connectors too, so you don't forget. Once you're under the truck, go ahead and remove the large plastic guard that protects the underside of the engine on the passenger side. 4-5 bolts. Not hard. Get that thing outta the way asap.
2. There is a mounting bracket/housing where the half axle meets the intermediate axle. Remove those 2 bolts so that the housing hangs loose w the axle (photos attached if available).
3. Remove the 32mm axle nut ($8 socket from Advance Auto). It's not hard.
4. Remove the 2 big bolts that hold the entire brake assembly to the strut thing...lol (photo).
5. If you remove the brake assembly from that strut thing and play with it, turning it down and away from the axle, you eventually will be able to slide the axle forward (it has grooves in it and comes out fairly easily) and it will fall out under it's own weight. Keep holding it and slide the entire axle, half axle and intermediate together, from the transfer casing/transmission. It slides out pretty easily. Just be careful with all of the CV rubber boot housings. It's kinda like delivering a baby. Be careful with it. You don't wanna replace a CV boot too. This project is tough enough already!
6. Get some of the electrical wiring out of the way, like the one held to the alternator with a little black rubber piece. I used pliers.
7. Loosen the belt. Not hard. Uses a 1/2 size wrench. Just put your wrench into the tension pulley (closer to you when looking from underneath...it has a square in it that is 1/2 in size) and turn...the belt loosens, and remove. One of the easier parts of the project.
8. Then, you start on the alternator bolts and bracket bolts after that. Oh, and the alternator plastic splash guard...i just used a flat head screwdriver to pry the 2 little plastic tension pieces up and out...they go back in fine. Just take your time to not break them...and you can then move the splash guard thing out of the way to help create more space for the alternator to come out. And you will HAVE to buy a set of wrenches. I bought Fractional/Standard versus Metric. Wish I had bought both...8 bucks for a set of like 7 or so at Walmart. You will use the 1/2" wrench and 1/2" ratchet/socket a LOT!
someone out there that will go through the same ordeal I went through! My arms are tired. My neck is tired. I am COVERED in oil and grit that still remains after a shower...BUT, the battery light doesn't come on anymore and my headlights don't dim at night like they did when my alternator was going dead. What a PAIN!
Possible simpler method
There may be an easier way to remove/replace the alternator on an (01 V6 4x4) Escape -- remove the intake plenum. After completing the process of replacing catalytic converters, ignition coils, and spark plugs, I discovered the bearings on my alternator were going out. Since I had just finished putting the whole top-end of my engine back on, I was well versed in removal. The alternator does require unbolting from underneath the vehicle, but by re-removing the intake plenum, I was able to wiggle the old alternator out and new one in from above/between engine and firewall. I did have some assistance to hold a wiring loom back, but I would say it was way easier going out the top. One caveat to this method though....the new catalytic converter might be less intrusive into the space. But I don't think it made a difference. Total time, once disassembly was started, was about an hour, probably because I was already very familiar where all the bolts were. The hardest part was/is getting an exhaust valve, behind intake, by throttle body, loose and out of the way. Sorry you had to go through so much turmoil.
By the way, the mounting bracket STAYS on the engine. I ONLY removed alternator. 3 mounting bolts + removing wires.
How do you remove alternator in a 2000 Ford Expedition?
What causes the generator to burn out after replacing the alternator
Vw electrical systems are fragile to begin with!! Better to dismantle it and do it right than take a chance... good luck:)
How do you replace alternator cummins?
Disconnect the battery, remove all wires from the alternator, slacken the belt tensioner, slip the belt off of the alternator pulley, unbolt the alternator, and remove the alternator. Installation is the opposite of removal.
How do you replace the alternator on a 2000 Mercury Cougar?
It depends which engine you have 4yl zetec or the 6 duratec i have done it on the v6 a couple of times its averages me about 4.5 hours on the ground and the car jack. here is the online manual on how to do it on 4 cyl or a 6 cyl. All you need is a ratchet set, flat head screw driver, breaker bar to remove wheel nut. its pretty straight forward if you have the patience. be careful tightening bolts and nuts. i broke the tie rods as i was tightening the bolt was pretty brittle.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1b/c3/18/0900823d801bc318/repairInfoPages.htm#hd1-1-2
Good Luck
How do you change the alternator on a 2002 Audi A6 2.7t?
it will require alot of work you have to remove the front clip. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146166 this is for the timing belt on a different mod. the Audi front clip is the same on all years.
best of luck
miles
look here this will help some http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146166 note this is for timingbelt tho
What size are 99 Chevy cavalier alternator bracket bolts?
My 1997 Chevy Cavalier with 2.2L motor used a 15mm socket.
How do you remove the alternator from a 98 silverado with the 5.7L vortec engine?
Begin by removing the alternator belt. Remove the alternator wiring harness. Remove the alternator retaining bolts. The alternator will come off.
What alternator comes in a 1996 Ford Explorer 95 amp or 130 amp?
Well I have a 1996 Ford Explorer V8 All wheel drive Eddie Bauer edition and mine has a 130 amp alt. You can always call ford and ask too.
Is there a inline fuseable link between alternator and starter on 98 Dodge Neon?
There is not a fusible link between the alternator and starter. There is a regulator on the alternator. The starter is directly connected to the battery, as is the alternator.
How do you replace the alternator on a 2002 Chevy S-10?
Replacing an alternator on a 2002 Chevy S-10 or Blazer is some what easy Disconnect battery unplug harness on alternator loosen Serpentine belt if you are careful you can keep the belt on all the Pulleys remove the 2 bolts holding on the alternator and gently use a pry bar to remove alternator use two wrenches to remove positive lead wire place new alternator in position may require light tap with rubber mallet reinstall bolts and both wires and put serpentine belt back on and reconnect battery.
Just be careful when disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. To prevent a potentially dangerous short and/or explosion, disconnect negative first, and reconnect it last.
Where is the alternator located on a 1995 Dodge Neon?
the alternator is tough to find on the dodge neon. this is because the engine compartment is so compact. If you want to find the alternator, first you have to know what it looks like. If you need to, find a picture of one on the internet. Then open the hood of the neon.Look at the engine. Look at the left side where the coolent pressure cap is. Look below that...in that general area you will see the alternator..it is hooked up to a belt. If you can find the belts you can find the alternator. If you still cant find it, post again.
Answeris is hard to find and tight if your just accessing it the best way is to jack the vehical up support with jack stands, from under the car you can easly follow the wires to the alternator. If you changing it that's a bit more work feel free to e-mail if you need more help.ANSWER-- The Alternator is on the passenger side between the engine and firewall. You must jack the car up to do anything to it. To change it try to get a copy of the remove and replace diagram from a local dealer - they will most likely give u a copy of their blow apart.
Where is the alternator located on a Saturn SL?
Altenator is located on the back bottom side if the engine below the power steering pump. To remove it you will need to take of the front passenger wheel and remove the splash shields. Two bolts hold it on. It will take some twisting, bi=ut that is the way the factory manual tells you to take it out.
Unless the battery is shorted or sulfated and will not take or hold a charge, most likely the alternator is bad
Check the transmission neutral switch or the connection to it. The neutral switch is on the lower left side, beside the kickdown rod. There is also a connector in the wiring harness on the right side of the engine, at the rear of the right side valve cover. If the neutral switch isn't functioning for any reason, the symptoms will be exactly what you described. I once did some engine work on my 88 Maxi and forgot to connect the neutral switch in the harness, so I speak from sad experience...;-)
What if your 1998 peterbilt is burning up alternators?
Make sure the alternators are properly installed and aligned.
How can a new battery still go flat with new alternator installed?
If you install a new battery & new alternator and the battery runs down overnight then you have something pulling power from the battery. Look for any light on the vehicle that is on or a relay that is stuck.
The reason is that sometimes a car battery does not have enough charge inside it to start the engine BUT it often will have enough charge in it to keep the engine running after it has been started by "bump-starting" or "push-starting" the car.
But an auto gearbox does not work like a manual gearbox -
it is impossible to bump-start or push-start a car that has an automatic gearbox!
The only way to start a car engine which has an automatic gearbox is to use a good battery to start the engine.
If your car's alternator is not working you could re-charge your car's battery and then it would start the engine ok, even if the car was an automatic.
Here is what you do:
* first disconnect just the +" lead, or both leads, from the car's electrics * then use a household AC battery charger to charge it up * when it is re-charged you can re-connect the battery to the car's electrics and
* it should start the car ok
Another way to get the engine to start is to use a pair of jump-start leads from a good battery in another car.
To avoid burning cables or even a dangerous car fire
Make SURE you ONLY ever connect
"+" to "+"and "-" to "-"
that is
RED TO RED and BLACK TO BLACK
!!!
And it is a very good idea to keep the other car's engine running all the time, to be sure its alternator keeps its own battery charged up!
But the main problem for you will still be this: if your car's alternator is not working, your battery will keep running down fast whilst you are driving the car.
So it a good idea to get that alternator fixed as soon as possible, otherwise you'll be looking for someone to help you use those jumper start leads every time you have to stop the engine of your car!
As you said in your question, if the alternator is not working, so the battery is not being charged, it is a very good idea to take the positive cable off the battery every time you stop the engine. Doing that every time you stop will prevent the car's other electrics (security alarm, dashboard clock, etc.) from running down the battery whilst you are parked. The longer you are parked the more current will be drained from the battery.
So, if you are not able to re-charge the car's battery somewhere by using a household AC battery charger, always disconnect it from the car's electrics until you get the alternator fixed and your battery is fully charged again.
How do you replace the alternator on a 1998 Honda Civic?
i replaced mine twice, you can bring it out through the top end of the car but get it has a bolt from underneath the car, you need to take off the intake (plastic part) as well as the brake cylinder, as it is a tight fit, however it only comes up out of the engine and cannot be removed from the bottom, don't forget to disconnect battery before working on the car.
Actually this is not completely true. It is very possible to remove the alternator from the bottom of a 1998 Honda Civic. In order to replace the alternator you must remove the plastic air hose and air filter box (make sure to stuff the throttle body assembly with a clean rag). Next remove those brackets that are in your way holding the electrical connections near the alternator so that you can get your hands in there. After this is done you are ready to start removing the alternator first remove the top two bolts holding the alternator and the adjusting mount, and remove the negative connection to the alternator. Then jack the car up and remove the driver side tire (this will give you access to the lower mounting bolt). Next get under the car (after securely raising your Honda) and remove the small screw from behind the alternator. Then remove the lower alternator bolt, alternator with a long screw driver (to pry it out) and move the belt. Then remove the alternator mount (there are 2 bolts there). This is the tricky part turn the wheel all the way to the driver side. Then get the plastic molding covering the drive belts out of the way and start lowering the alternator so that you can make it side in to the opening the turn it until you get it out.**** To install do the reverse but make sure (*****) to push or pull (how ever it will work for you) the spacer on the mount, so that the inside of the mount where the alternator will go is flush (?? this is key).
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More than one way to skin a cat
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1) I took of the neg connect on the battery.
2) Put the car on jack stands and removed the drivers side tire
3) Removed the five or six 10mm bolts that hold the plastic air duct in place.
4) Pulled the air duct or whatever you want to call it out. Make sure to put this back in, the car will be noisy and may not cool as well without this part.
5) Removed the wires from the alternator.
6) Took out the two bolts holding the alternator in
7) Removed the two bolts holding the mount bracket in.
8) The Alternator was loose but could not be removed.
The wheel and the drive shaft were not a problem for me but the alternator would not fit between the engine and the frame.
9) I put my floor jack (with some wood) under a solid lift point on the engine and jacked the engine up about ½ of an inch. This made enough room to remove the alternator.
Slipped the new one in and did the above steps in reverse. This car has about 210,000 miles. Not bad for an alternator, not bad at all.
The cost: Two pieces of pizza, four bud lights, one broken finger nail and about 60 minutes. Oh and $130 for the new alternator.
THIS IS HOW I DID IT
This is a general overview of how I replaced the alternator in my 1997 civic LX. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. Jack the car up, position your jack stands, remove the driver's side tire. Remove the two bolts from the top of the alternator (12mm & 14mm). Unplug the green connector from the back of the alternator. Remove the terminal wire (the one protected by a black rubber boot) which is held on by a nut.
From the bottom, remove the small bracket (used to keep wiring in place) connected to the alternator by a screw or small bolt. Remove the long slide bolt from the alternator (14mm I believe). The alternator should now be free, from the bottom, push it out of its bracket and position it out of the way. You'll now need to remove that bracket that held the alternator in place (14mm I believe).
Remove the car's oil filter. You'll now be able to slide the alternator out from the bottom. It's a tight fit but it should come out. Before installing the bracket back in the car, make sure the new alternator fits inside of it. The new alternator may not fit and you'll have to adjust the spacers. I used a hammer to do this.
Repeat the process to install the new alternator. To tighten the belt, you'll be using the top 12mm bolt. Using a long tool or crow bar, you can push the alternator towards the fire wall, once you have the correct tightness of the belt, fully tighten the top 12mm bolt. Before starting the car, replace the oil filter and add oil if needed!
Word of caution, I tried two different "remanufactured" alternators from the big car parts store down the street. Both were bad, do yourself a favor, and don't get a remanufactured alternator! Spend the extra money and get a new one, I got mine from KOI/Savage. Best of luck!
When cold, the alternator produces more electrical energy to recharge the battery. After things warm up a little, the electrical energy drops back to maintenance mode, producing enough energy to operate all of your electrical component and maintain the charge level of the battery. At that point you'll see a drop on the gauge. Also, any device which turns on suddenly will cause the voltage level to drop briefly. It's normal and unless you are unable to start the vehicle in the morning or see the gauge in the red area, or the yellow area for an extended period, you're probably ok.
How do you replace alternator located on a 1999 Pontiac grand am se?
alternator on a 2000 Pontiac runs off a serpentine belt if its loose then chances are ur serpentine belt is worn or stretched or your tensioner pulley is bad or the tensioner itself..alternator bolts stable does not move like the old setup.
Where is the alternator fuse in a 2000 Toyota Echo?
It's in the red cover that is connected to the positive terminal of the battery
How do you know if you have bad alternator?
A simply check is to take a volt meter set to 20 volts DC and check the voltage at the battery posts with the engine running. It should read 13.5 − 16 volts. Any more or less and the alternator is defective.
