How do you replace the alternator on a 1997 Chevy Malibu?

Answer 1

It depends on what model you have, but most are the same.

Disconnect the battery! Loosen the tensioner for the serpentine belt and pull the belt off the alternator pulley. Remove the bolt holding the alternator at the 4:00 o'clock position
Remove the nut at the right rear side of the alternator
Remove the bolt at the next to it nearer you. All bolts have 15mm heads, but you're going to need a deep well socket to get the nut off. Pull out the alternator and remove the plug from it and also remove the red wire attached to the back. You're going to need a 13mm socket and a 13mm flat wrench. Replace the alternator by reversing the steps above. Reattaching the serpentine belt is a pain.

Answer 2

It's easy. Having a repair manual like a Haynes would make it even easier, simply because of the pictures, but I'll try and describe it.

First, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, followed by any electrical connections between the alternator and everything else. Now, when you're looking at the alternator from the front of the car, at the very bottom is an adjustment bolt for the belt...loosen that so that there is a bit of slack on the belt. On the side of the alternator (I don't remember which side, sorry) are two bolts...simply undo those and it'll come right out. Installation is the reverse of removal, but make sure you tighten the belt to the specified tension.

Answer 3

disconnect negative battery terminal, remove the drive belt. then disconnect the output wire and electrical connector on alternator. remove mounting bolts and remove alternator. good-day !

Answer 4

(1) Unhook the battery cables, positive terminal first, using an 8mm ratcheting spanner, and then an 8mm socket spanner with extension (2in) on the negative. (2) Unbolt the positive cable on the back of the alternator (generally on a 3,1L V6 it will be on the passenger side near the cowl or firewall) with a 13mm socket spanner (3) Unhook the clip containing a bundle of wires connecting to your ECM (also on the back) (4) Loosen the lower front bolt near the bottom of the alternator bracket, below the serpentine belt, with a 13mm socket spanner (5) Loosen the lower rear bolt on the bracket, using a 13mm socket spanner on the rear and a 13mm spanner on the front; the socket will retain the nut on the back of the bolt (6) If the belt is still not loose CAREFULLY loosen the belt tensioner only enough to loosen the belt to remove the alternator, keeping track of the turns needed (7) Bolt the new alternator onto the bracket, front bolt first, then rear, but do not tighten completely (8) Slip the belt over the pulley of the new alternator (9) CAREFULLY tighten the belt tensioner and ONLY until it stops turning easily. Do not overtighten. If in doubt use a torque wrench. (10) Reposition the alternator so that the belt is fairly tight but still has a slight amount of play in the belt. (11) Tighten the bolts on the lower bracket back all the way. (12) Plug the ECM connector back into the socket on the back (there should be four pins) (13) Tighten the nut over the positive cable on the back of the alternator (14) Reconnect the negative battery cable (15) Reconnect the positive cable (16) Attempt to start the car. If the engine starts, congratulations. If not, recheck steps 7 through 15 carefully.