How do you replace alternator in 2002 PT Cruiser?

Answer 1

I drove with my wife to sedona from mesa AZ (100+ miles) in our 2002 pt cruser Limited Edition to celebrate our one year aniversary, and my alternator bearring went bad. The tension bolt sanpped, and I have no clue how we made it there.

It was Saturday and all the shops were closed, so I took it to a checker auto. My brother had to drive up the alternator, they didn't have it in stock. I guess he even had a hard time finding one in the main city.

I was able to change it there in the checker parking lot, I ended up fishing it up through the top between the firewall and engine. I had to press some of the lines against the firewall really tight to the wall in order for it to fit it. It was a really tight squeeze but it fit, and it saved me from having to remove the transaxle. Also the eletrical harness/clip going into the alternator has a red thing that slides to one side in order to unclip it. they keep making those things harder and harder to figure out.

My brother bought the part for $252.83 at pepboys. They were the only ones who had one in stock. There is a $52 core return when you take back the old one. they didn't have the tension bolt, so I had to use the lug wrench to pull it tight and just put a bolt and screw through the top.

It wasn't fun, especially having my bother bunk with us on our aniversary night, car works, and my wife still loves me. Thanks Checker for letting me use your tools. Those guys were awesome!