How to Change an Alternator

Summary: Your car is a complex machine made up of interconnected parts. One of these parts, the alternator, ensures that your battery remains charged; while the engine is running in your car the serpentine belt is continuously supplying energy to the alternator which then energizes the battery. When the alternator breaks your car will run on battery power for a very short period of time and then it will not start and work properly again until power is restored to your battery and the alternator is fixed. Changing an alternator requires many different disassembly steps and can be a daunting task even with a manual to guide you. However, there is another option: you can watch for free online as of one of our experts demonstrates how to change the alternator in a car.

In this free online video series learn how to change the alternator on your car from certified mechanic Nathan McCullough. Watch these videos and learn alternator diagnosis as well as how to disconnect the battery on your car; and how to locate the alternator; how to remove the alternator by disassembling the intake, removing the throttle linkage and radiator hose; learn how to unplug the vehicle electrical connectors from the alternator; how to remove the serpentine belt; and how to install the new alternator and alternator bolt.