How do you disconnect an alternator from an engine?
Begin by removing the dust boot from the main power terminal to expose the main power wire. If the wiring is difficult to access you will be able to disconnect it once the alternator is loose from the engine. All alternators are designed with a main power cable (large gauge) that is connected directly to the battery for main charging purposes.
Where is the wiring harness on an alternator?
It will be near the front of the engine compartment on a rear-wheel drive vehicle and on the left side on a front-wheel drive vehicle. Remove the harness from the alternator. The harness is removed by pressing the locking tab on the harness and pulling it out.
What happens when an alternator is undercharging?
When this happens the serpentine belt will break or derail from the alternator pulley. A common problem is undercharging. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as a battery warning light, low state of battery charge, poor or erratic performance from electrical components and finally the engine will shut down.
Where is the alternator on a front wheel drive car?
Open the hood of your car and locate the alternator. It will be near the front of the engine compartment on a rear-wheel drive vehicle and on the left side on a front-wheel drive vehicle. Remove the harness from the alternator. The harness is removed by pressing the locking tab on the harness and pulling it out.
What do you use to remove the connector on an alternator?
Remove the nut using the appropriate-size wrench, or loosen and remove the connector tab using the Phillips screwdriver. Do not pull on the wires to the alternator. Damage to the wires may result in a total wiring harness replacement, which can be very costly.
Where do you connect the alternator to the battery?
Locate the thin black wire on the negative side of the battery. Follow the wire as it joins the wiring harness on the left side of the vehicle and across the top of the motor to the back of the alternator. Locate the connector tab on the back of the alternator. It’s usually covered by a black boot, and the wires run directly into it.
What happens if the alternator connector goes bad?
Autocar LLC. Filter your results by entering your Year, Make, Model to ensure you find the parts that fit your vehicle. The alternator connector is a key piece of your car’s electrical system. If it fails, it can cause a chain reaction of issues.
Do you need a pigtail for an alternator rebuilder?
If you have an alternator rebuilder near you they will likely have the pigtail you need for a few dollars. It will consist of a connector with a couple wires sticking out. Another option is the junkyard. Almost any GM with a CS130 or CS144 will have the required connector.