Is there any shortcuts to changing the alternator? I read the manual and it seems pretty normal. My bat light comes on, when I rev it to about 3000 RPMs it will go out but it seems like the bat still doesn't charge. So now, untill all this snow stops, I need to keep a fully charged bat in the trunk which I just change out when the car dies b/c I'm just running on the bat.
Also, could the bad alt be my other problem of the car feeling like it has a skip when I cruise at a steady speed? Also loosing acceleration power. But if I unplug the MAF sensor it runs fine. (except for the alt.)

 

check ur battery terminals b4 u go and replace the alternator. go buy some new terminals and c if it fixes the problem. this alternator subject has been covered b4 so just do a quick search next time b4 u go start a new post

 

I did a search before I asked the question and before I looked in the manual and didn't find anything about any shortcuts. The battery terminals are new, put in by the previous owner with the new battery. I'm also trying to find out what my skip feeling could be with no luck by reading any other threads.

 

I'll second that. You'll probably just need a little time to get aquainted with a couple of bolts which holds the alternator in place. Once you get it out and into the light, it's an easy fix. (And if it isn't the brushes, you will find that out once you get your alternator out, so this is something you'll have to do anyhow.)

//Björn

 

Thanks for the adice on the brushes but I'm going to be putting a new alt in. One reason is b/c this one is covered, and I mean COVERED, with power steering fluid. The previous owner let the thing leak for probably a year. I should have changed the alt when I had it out when I did my T-belt and PS pump, but I was just trying to save money then. It was alot easier to get it out then without anything in the way. The more a read the manual it looks like it'll be less than an hour, that aint bad. Thanks again.

 

just replaced my alternator a few days ago..taking it out was kinda a b1tch, but putting a new one in was quick and easy. take off the assessory belt then there are only two main bolts, b terminal wire and the plug in the back is all that needs to be disconnected. taking it out from the bottom would be easiest.

 

make sure you power steering is not leaking if it is fix it now or it will short out the new alternator pronto my alternator has 237,000 and still going strong I was told the brushes very seldom wear out by a tech at Tustin Lexus So Cal waiting to how long it goes before I change it out.

 

I just finished it up. The new (used) alt. is in and it's charging perfect. It's a remanufactured alt out of a J/Y car so it doesn't have too many miles on it. It looks like it just came out of the box. Got it for $35. Can't beat that, as long as it keeps working. I did also have to change the plug b/c mine was crushed and, I think, not connecting right. But all is well. The PS pump is leaking a tiny bit out of the vac lines on the bottom but not enough to hit the alt. One of these days I will plug that and get rid of those lines.

 

Good deal on the new alt. As others have said, get rid of the PS leak as it will kill the alt since it sits directly over top of it. Even tho yours is only leaking a little bit now, that just means you have bought yourself a litle time before it goes out again. If not, hope you got acquainted with the alt change procedure, b/c you will find yourself under there again for the same thing.

 

yeah man just plug up that leak and you'll be cool..

 

check alternator belt. if it shredded there u go.

 

I think i have the same problem. After only being at my mechanic for a week the battery was dead a 10 hours after sitting at my house. I drove it for 2 days and today the battery light came on. I think its the alternator... if the car starts tomorrow, well i guess ill have to drive it to get it checked.

 

Therm, i think he ps fluid was dripping onto the alternator before but have not checked recently. Its raining like crazy so i cant look right now