How To: Remove and Install Alternators and Starters - PartSource: Automotive, Truck Parts & Accessories

How To Remove and Install
Alternators and Starters

If you’ve seen War of the Worlds, you know what an Electro Magnetic Pulse can do to your alternator. With this month’s Job of Month, we’ll show you how to win the war on expensive auto repairs by showing you how to do it yourself.

We’ll show you how to remove and install an alternator and starter. It’s really easy - the first time I did this it took me a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.

Remember, free instructions are available from Mitchell on Demand at your local PartSource store. And if you find yourself in a jam, talk to the Parts Pros. They’ll be happy to help.

Let’s get started.

A Few Things Before You Begin

Unless you have no nerve endings, allow the engine to cool completely before attempting to replace the alternator or the starter.

It's always a good idea to use a fender cover to protect your paint job.

You may have to remove some components to gain access to the alternator on some vehicle applications. See your local PartSource for free print out on vehicle specific instructions.

NOTE: When the battery is disconnected some vehicle computer and memory systems may lose data. You might have to drive your car for about 25km so your car’s computer can reboot itself.

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Every vehicle is different, so when it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Make sure you’ve got all your tools and supplies before you begin – the last thing you want to do is go shopping when you’ve got the car on the jack.

Safety should be your number one priority, so don’t smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie. And watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace. Always wear your safety glasses, a dust mask and latex gloves.

Don’t work with a flat when it calls for Philips. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or a vehicle’s performance.

And finally, when the fun turns to frustration or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your abilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.

-----------------------------------------
Getting Started
-----------------------------------------

Removing the Alternator

For Removing the Starter, click here.

Disconnect battery ground cable

Remove the ground wire (black) from the alternator

Disconnect the positive wire (red wire held on by a retaining nut) from the back of the alternator

Now disconnect the wire harness from the alternator

Remove the drive belt

NOTE: Some models use a belt tensioner that applies tension to the drive belt. The best tool to use for this job is the serpentine belt too. If you can borrow one from a neighbour you can get one at PartSource. (Part# 648451)

On other models you will have to loosen the adjusting bolt on the alternator bracket. If you’re not sure about how to remove the drive belt, visit your local PartSource for free print outs of vehicle specific instructions.

Take off the mounting bolts from the alternator bracket

Now remove the alternator from the engine compartment

There. You’ve removed the alternator. How easy was that?

Installing Your New Alternator

Put the alternator in the engine compartment

Install the mounting bolts that connect the alternator to the alternator bracket

Connect the alternator wiring harness

Now connect the positive wire to the alternator

NOTE: Your new alternator should come with a retaining nut. Remember to remove the nut before you install the positive wire. If it doesn’t keep the old nut.

Connect the ground wire to the alternator

Now install the drive belt

This is a great time to replace your old worn out belt. When inspecting your old belt look for signs of cracking, oil soaked, hard glazed, splitting or fraying. All these signs mean it’s time you replaced your drive belt.
If your vehicle no longer has the belt routing diagram under the hood, visit your local PartSource for a free print out of the belt routing diagram.

Reconnect the ground battery cable

Removing the Starter

For Removing the Alternator, click here.

Before you get started (no pun intended), you might have to remove some components to gain access to the starter. This only applies to some vehicles. Visit your local PartSource for free print outs on vehicle specific instructions.

Disconnect the battery ground cable

Raise the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands

Disconnect the wires from the starter and starter solenoid

NOTE: Probably a good idea to make note of where each wire comes off. A good way to keep track of where each one goes is to mark each wire with masking tape indicating where it was disconnected. Trust me. I learned the hard way.

Now remove the mounting bolts

NOTE: Some vehicles have two mounting bolts others have three. Not to worry. Every manufacturer is different.

Remove the starter from the engine.

Some vehicle use shims. Make note of where they were placed because you’ll have to reuse them the exact same way with the new starter.

Installing the Starter

Put the new starter in the engine compartment. Make sure shims are installed in original position, if applicable.

Install the mounting bolts. Torque to specified specifications. (Visit your local PartSource for a free print out of torque specs.)

Connect the wires to the starter and starter solenoid

Reinstall any components that may have been removed to gain access to the starter

Raise vehicle and remove the jack stands

Reconnect the battery ground cable

Now raise the roof. You just installed a starter all by yourself!

How To Remove and InstallAlternators and Starters

How To Remove and Install
Alternators and Starters