how do you change an alternator in 2003 gmc envoy?

[Trevor]

the alternator whent bad in my moms car and i need to know if i can change it at home or does it need to be taking to a mechanic

 

[Molson02536]

the alternator whent bad in my moms car and i need to know if i can change it at home or does it need to be taking to a mechanic

02-09 4.2L Vortec I-6 engine

You have to remove the bracket in front of the alternator first and the bolt that holds the a/c line to that bracket. There are 2 bolts on the front of the bracket, and one on the side.

The alternator has 3 bolts holding it in place, the one by the a/c hose is a real pain. About all you can do is get the right extensions, push down a little on the a/c hose to loosen this bolt. You'll find a 6 point socket works the best. Some have said a universal joint would work better. I didn't try that.

Then you can move the alternator forward and undo one wiring harness, It's by the thermo outlet- you can see the one wire that you have to remove the nut at the back of the alt. It's going to have a rubber cover over it, it just unclips and a small nut that holds the thick battery wire. Then you have to turn the alternator and slide it past the fan shroud.

Note: The idler pulley and tensioner pulley are known to go bad and they are MUCH easier to replace now (and cheap) sine you have things apart.

Make sure you disconnect the battery before you work on the Alternator and don't forget to turn the radio off first. If the radio is left on and the battery is disconnected, it's going to ask you for a radio code to reactivate the radio. Look in your Manuel for the procedure to disconnecting the battery.

Good luck and this shouldn't take more then 1 1/2 hour to do with common tools from start to finish, including clean up time.

 

[nancy]

02-09 4.2L Vortec I-6 engine

You have to remove the bracket in front of the alternator first and the bolt that holds the a/c line to that bracket. There are 2 bolts on the front of the bracket, and one on the side.

The alternator has 3 bolts holding it in place, the one by the a/c hose is a real pain. About all you can do is get the right extensions, push down a little on the a/c hose to loosen this bolt. You'll find a 6 point socket works the best. Some have said a universal joint would work better. I didn't try that.

Then you can move the alternator forward and undo one wiring harness, It's by the thermo outlet- you can see the one wire that you have to remove the nut at the back of the alt. It's going to have a rubber cover over it, it just unclips and a small nut that holds the thick battery wire. Then you have to turn the alternator and slide it past the fan shroud.

Note: The idler pulley and tensioner pulley are known to go bad and they are MUCH easier to replace now (and cheap) sine you have things apart.

Make sure you disconnect the battery before you work on the Alternator and don't forget to turn the radio off first. If the radio is left on and the battery is disconnected, it's going to ask you for a radio code to reactivate the radio. Look in your Manuel for the procedure to disconnecting the battery.

Good luck and this shouldn't take more then 1 1/2 hour to do with common tools from start to finish, including clean up time.

what size bolts for the alternator. dropped one and i cant find it.

 

[RChappo]

All three are the same. Go to a hardware store with one and get it matched.