I've been searching the forum and can't quite find a post related to the AWD alternator replacement. I remember reading somewhere that on the AWD cars it's not quite the same as on the RWD vehicles because of the changes to the front end. If I'm wrong, I hope someone could correct me. My 2013 AWD has had the electrical system may be limited warning come on twice today (along with battery light) and all lights dimming. After the error went away I noticed my voltage dipping into the 12 volt range when I have the music turned up (it has never dipped that low). I'm preparing to replace the alternator if that's what it turns out to be and I would like to be prepared.

 

You could have a bad battery or loose terminals. It could also be a slipping belt. Loose nuts on alternator posts. Or simply an alternator going bad. Have battery load tested after you charge it overnight. While they are testing it, they will also test the alternator voltage. Check OBD2 for fault codes as well.

 

Ya I'll look further into what might be bad, I was just looking for info on if the alternator replacement is different between the AWD and RWD LS. I've seen the write up for the 07, but I could have sworn I saw someone mention it being different between the two, as in more complex with the AWD.

 

There does not seem to be a difference, according to the manufacture manual, between RWD and AWD alternator replacement.

 

Awesome, thank you.

 

I just took my alternator out to clean it because I saw an old leak from a valve cover gasket that left some residue on the alt and I'm kinda ocd about oil leaks.

Anyway, I took the drive belt and tensioner along with the ground cable that is in that area off, engine plastic covers of course on that side. it's secured in 4 spots to the block, 2 upper and 2 lower and they're pretty tight areas. the bottom 2 14mm bolts (now that I know) I would just loosen a bit, the rear lower you have to get from underneath so I had the front end on jack stands with the wheel off. you might have a hoist, I don't know.

The 2 uppers are studs and nuts, take the nuts off first and the studs have E6 torx heads..they will come out with the alt still in place. then you can back off the lower bolts until free of the block but wont come out until you move the alt.
The harness is short so I moved the alt like in the picture and took the connectors off there, I removed the coolant reservoir bolts and moved it to the left and that gave me enough room by also holding the rad hose to pass side to take the alt out.
That's about it, I might have left out some details. I don't think the RWD would be any different.

 

Excellent documentation Gerf.

 

Thank you, I misremembered what replacement was an issue between the AWD and RWD. I remember something being easy on one, and a PITA on the AWD- something about the location of the front axle shafts being in the way- I'm glad it's not the alternator. I appreciate your write up.

 

I did it a few years ago on a 2013 awd L
Wasn't bad, replaced all the belts and tensioner while I was at it.

 

How did you manage to do anything to that car with all those things taking up the floor space?

 

Picture was taken when most parts are installed.

 

Ok, I thought that guy must be really tall to work over the front of that car.