How do you replace an altenator?

[BlondeBandit]

I am looking to replace the altenator in my 2000 Intrigue . How do I do it?

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, very accessible on the K engine, get the belt off ( just loosen off the alt), disconnect the battery, you can see what has to be unbolted to get the alt off, don't know what else seems problematic to you.

[LittleHoov]

Well BlondeBandit doesnt have the vin K engine, so therefore, its not very accessible.

Bandit I would highly recommend getting yourself some sort of repair manual, like a Chiltons or Haynes, I personally like the Chiltons, and its handy to have around for times like this. Ill summarize as best I can out of my Chiltons what the procedure is:

1. Disconnect battery, remove battery AND battery tray
2. Remove serpentine belt
3. Remove top engine mount (the one that attaches to the radiator support)
4. Remove right side radiator suport
5. Disconnect wiring to, and then remove fan assembly as a whole
6. Remove thermostat housing and radiator hose after partially draining engine coolant
7. Remove outboard alternator bolt and loosen inboard one
8. Remove idler pulley bolt and pulley itself
9. Remove battery terminal nut from alternator, all wiring to it, and then inboard nut, then remove from vehicle.

This is just a basic summary of what it says, there are a few things I skipped over like certain coolant hoses that they say need to be loosened and removed but may not need to be. There was a LOT to type so I just summed it up.

Ive never done the procedure myself, Im too cheap, and have accepted my flickering headlights as normal

If you need any more depth on the procedure post back here and ill be glad to type some more up, or do yourself a favor and buy a Chiltons to assist you in all those DIY things.

[panzer dragoon]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ght=alternator

[notimprezed]

The link panzer dragoon posted is a good one, its the one I used when I had to change my alt a few months ago. It took me about 5 hours to do everything by myself. Getting the fan out will be the biggest problem. I believe only 3 bolts hold it in place, left side, right side and top. Its a very tight fit and getting to the bolt on the drivers side is difficult without tearing the airbox out, I was able to do it without removing the airbox using a baby ratchet. I also didnt take the fan all the way out as I was able to pull it up and over enough to make room but prepared to be frustrated with it. The wiring is in the way, the dipstick, and a general lack of space. Also with the serp belt, DRAW A DIAGRAM OF THE BELT LAYOUT AROUND THE PULLIES!!!!!! My 2000 did not have a diagram underhood or in owners manual. Drawing out how the belt goes around everything will save you a headache later if you discover there is no diagram on the car. The tensioner for the belt is way in the back as well. I didnt have the proper tool to relieve the tension but was able to muscle it buy pulling on it by hand to get the belt off and later put it back on. Definately drain coolant from engine before removing radiator hose and themostat. I didnt, It was a mess, lots of coolant. Good luck, start early, have coolant to replace what you drain.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

Well BlondeBandit doesnt have the vin K engine, so therefore, its not very accessible.

Bandit I would highly recommend getting yourself some sort of repair manual, like a Chiltons or Haynes, I personally like the Chiltons, and its handy to have around for times like this. Ill summarize as best I can out of my Chiltons what the procedure is:

1. Disconnect battery, remove battery AND battery tray
2. Remove serpentine belt
3. Remove top engine mount (the one that attaches to the radiator support)
4. Remove right side radiator suport
5. Disconnect wiring to, and then remove fan assembly as a whole
6. Remove thermostat housing and radiator hose after partially draining engine coolant
7. Remove outboard alternator bolt and loosen inboard one
8. Remove idler pulley bolt and pulley itself
9. Remove battery terminal nut from alternator, all wiring to it, and then inboard nut, then remove from vehicle.

This is just a basic summary of what it says, there are a few things I skipped over like certain coolant hoses that they say need to be loosened and removed but may not need to be. There was a LOT to type so I just summed it up.

Ive never done the procedure myself, Im too cheap, and have accepted my flickering headlights as normal

If you need any more depth on the procedure post back here and ill be glad to type some more up, or do yourself a favor and buy a Chiltons to assist you in all those DIY things.

My mistake, no 3800 in the 2000 Intrigue I assume?

[BlondeBandit]

Well guys I am going to attempt it this weekend and see what happens. Wish me luck.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

My mistake, no 3800 in the 2000 Intrigue I assume?

The SII 3800 was only available in the '98 and '99 model Intrigues Shep.

Once thing for sure it is easier to replace the alternator in a L36 3800 vesus the LX5 3.5L.